Chapter 11: The Dragon's Den

Natsu leaned back in his chair as yet another one of Fairy Tail's famous parties was coming to an end. The denizens of Fairy Tail had started their celebration early this morning and it continued well into the late hours of the night, and only now was it fizzling down. There were many things Natsu didn't care for about Fairy Tail, but these parties were at the top of his list. Natsu was only here for one reason. And that was Cana. As she got older, the more involved Cana got with these parties, or at least one aspect of them. Drinking.

Natsu tended to play the role of damage control when Cana got drunk, and on rare occasions, he would serve as the clean up crew for her as well. He didn't mind though. She was funny when she got drunk. Bumbling around and stumbling out her words. She was also more confident when she was like this. Cana would sit closer to Natsu and sometimes she even sat on him. She would find any and every excuse to touch him, especially his face. She liked to touch his face. This only added to everyone's suspicions about the two. Many people thought Cana was making her feelings too obvious. Well, it would be if those feelings were directed towards anyone but Natsu. He remained as dense as ever.

Seeing as how the party was winding down and noticing that Cana could barely stand on her own, he decided it was time for her to head home. Rising from his seat, Natsu walked over to Cana and placed her arm around his shoulder and headed for the door. "Oh hey Natshuuu!" Cana slurred his name as he picked her up. A sly smile formed on her face as Natsu looked at her. "Wanna drink?" Cana asked as she brandished a new bottle from out of nowhere.

Natsu grabbed the bottle from her and placed it on a nearby table. "I think you've had enough for tonight. We should get you home so you can sleep this off."

"Oh boo. You're no fun Natshu!" Cana let out a small hiccup as they made their way out of the guild. Cana leaned into Natsu's body as he helped her walk. She was absently staring into Natsu's eyes as they walked to Fairy Hills. A smirk flashed across her face. Cana stopped walking, which forced Natsu to stop as well. She stood on her tip toes and whispered into his ear. "Are you at least going to stay over and keep me company this time?" Her breath was hot against his ear.

Natsu sighed as he positioned himself in front of Cana. "No. I'm going to take you home and put you to bed. Then I'm going to leave. Guess you're just going to have to make do on your own." Cana huffed and pouted as they continued their walk.

Eventually they arrived at Fairy Hills, and due to the rules, Natsu wasn't allowed to go in. This, however, didn't stop him. Natsu took Cana in his arms and jumped to the balcony of Cana's dorm. He opened the door as he had done so many times before and walked into the girl's home. Cana had fallen asleep on the last leg of their brief journey. Natsu navigated to Cana's room and placed her in her bed. He pulled the blankets onto her and made sure a glass on water was on her nightstand. Natsu took one last look at Cana before leaving. He never imagined they shy girl he met all those years ago would become his closest friend. A small smile escaped from Natsu. He would never admit it, but he was glad it was Cana that he chose to get close to. Natsu switched off the lights and prepared to make his exit, but before he could leave, a voice called out to him.

"Natsu." Natsu turned around and was met with Cana sitting up in her bed.

"Cana I've already told you I'm not going to stay."

"No, no, it's not that. It's just you always come over here, but how come I've never been to your house? I mean, we've been friends for almost four years now. Don't you think it's a little weird that I don't even know where you live?"

"What are you talking about? You come to my house every day."

"You still live at the guild?"

"Yeah? Why wouldn't I"

"Okay I've decided."

"Decided what?"

"Tomorrow we are going to get you a proper house."

"And why would we do that?"

"You can't live at the guild forever." Natsu didn't have an answer for this. "And besides, wouldn't you like a space of your own? Total privacy and all that jazz."

"You mean total privacy expect for you right?"

"That's what I said." A laugh escaped Cana as she said this which only earned an annoyed sigh from Natsu. "What, is the big bad dragon scared I'm going to catch him doing something he shouldn't?"

"I'm leaving now." Natsu called as he made his way out of her home.

"I mean it! We are getting you a house tomorrow! I'll meet you at the guild at nine!" Cana yelled out to the retreating form of Natsu.

Makarov arrived at the guild early in the morning and found a table housing the sole inhabitant of the guild. Natsu looked up to see who had disturbed the pleasant quiet of the morning. After seeing it was just Makarov, Natsu diverted his attention away. Makarov scanned the area and noticed how cluttered the downstairs area was. "You know Natsu, if you are insistent on getting up so early, you could lend a hand around her and tidy up around the place. Especially since I let you live here rent free." Makarov half-joked with Natsu.

"That's not my job Old Man. Besides you won't have to worry about that much longer."

"Oh? Are you planning to leave us?" Makarov asked with a tinge of sadness in his voice.

"No. I'm getting my own place." Natsu fiddled around his empty bowl with a fork.

"Oh, are you? Why now? After all this time?"

"Cana is making me." Natsu stated in a tone that sounded like that of a child who had just been reprimanded.

"She's making you?" Makarov asked with a smile.

Caught off-guard by his verbal mishap, Natsu rushed to correct himself. "No. No one can make me do anything. She just suggested it, and I happened to agree with her."

"Is that the case?" Makarov asked, his smile still plastered to his face.

"Whatever Old Man." Natsu rolled his eyes. "Just make sure the guild is open later so I can get my stuff." Natsu got up and relocated himself to a table further away from the elder man. Makarov smiled and shook his head playfully as he made his way to his office.

Natsu growled in annoyance. It was 9:15 already and they had agreed to meet exactly at nine. Cana had made being late by a few minutes a habit of hers. And anytime Natsu tried to figure out why this became the new normal for her, she'd just laugh and brush off the question. Honestly, it bothered Natsu more than it should.

Another ten minutes passed, and an impatient Natsu rose from his seat and was ready to go get Cana and bring her here himself. But just as he was about to do that, she wondered into the guild. She walked in and looked… different. Her hair wasn't its usual long and wavy form, instead it was pulled back with a curled strand falling against each side of her head. Her face looked different too. Not by a whole lot, but enough that a difference could be seen. Natsu didn't know what had happened, but whatever it was it accented her facial features and made them look sharper somehow. Her attire differed from what she usually wore too. She donned a dark green dress, not a formal one, but much dressier than her normal outfits. She also smelled different. She still had her scent, but it was like it was buried and covered up by another. Instead of her normal sweet-smelling scent, she smelled of fresh lavender with a hint of cinnamon. It wasn't a bad smell at all to Natsu, but it wasn't hers. He didn't hate it, but he preferred her natural scent. Seeing Cana walking towards him, Natsu sat back down at the table.

As she got closer, Natsu absentmindedly covered his nose with his hand in a feeble attempt to block out the overwhelming smell of whatever was on Cana. She gave him a puzzled look when she arrived at the table. "Do you not like it?" Cana asked with a touch of sadness in her voice.

"It's strong."

"But I only sprayed it twice. How coul… Oh, enhanced senses." Cana said upon realizing it. "I forgot. I'm sorry Natsu."

"It's fine. Just give me a few minutes to get used to it and I'll be fine."

"Maybe this will help." Cana grabbed a napkin from the table and wiped at her neck. She walked to a trash bin and discarded the used tissue. Upon arriving back at the table, she took a seat next to Natsu. "Better?"

"Better."

"Good!" Cana exclaimed while smiling. "Now you never answered my question. Do you like it?"

"I like your natural scent better." Natsu stated bluntly.

"Well that was… honest." Cana let out an awkward giggle.

"Would you rather me have lied to you?" Natsu asked to Cana. After not receiving an answer. Natsu posed a question of his own. "What's on your face?"

"Makeup. I figured I'd dress up a bit and look nice since we are going to look for you a house."

"You look fine every other day. Why change now? Don't see what makes today any different."

Cana's eye twitched as she fought off the urge to slap Natsu across the face. 'I did all this work and got all dressed up to look nice for you and within five minutes you basically tell me everything I did was pointless. Stupid Natsu.' Cana internally sighed. She knew Natsu wasn't trying to offend her or act insensitive, but she just wished her effort would have been appreciated.

"So Natsu," Cana started, trying to direct the conversation in a new route. "I was thinking we could spend the morning finding you a place to live. Then we could break for lunch, then get some furniture for your new place. How does that sound?"

"Sounds fine to me." Natsu looked around and noticed the lack of a certain blue cat. "Where's the cat?"

"Happy decided to sleep in and will probably come to the guild when he wakes up. So it's going to be just you and me today." Natsu was about to ask Cana another question but he was interrupted.

"Well, well, well. If it isn't Fairy Tail's very own Fallen Angel." Natsu rolled his eyes at the moniker that had been bestowed upon him about a year ago. He hated the pretentious nickname, but more than that, he hated the person who spoke it. The pair turned and was met with none other than the newly promoted S-Class mage Mirajane, who was smiling smugly at them. Ever since her recent promotion, she made sure to try and rub it in the Dragon Slayer's face that she was better than him every chance she got.

"Go to hell." Natsu stated coldly. His entire demeanor had shifted in response to Mira. Natsu's attitude towards everyone else had been improving, even if it was at a snail's pace. But anytime Mira was in the general vicinity of Natsu, he resumed his standoffish ways and his rude attitude returned in full force.

"Now, now, is that anyway to address your superiors Natsu?" Mira hissed out with a smiling venom. Natsu's eyes narrowed in on her after this comment. Mira smiled after getting the reaction she wanted out of him. Getting under Natsu's skin was one of her favorite things to do. And he just made it so easy.

"You may have a higher title, but that does not make you my superior. We all know who is stronger." Natsu growled.

"Well according to Master, that's not the case." Mira continued with her condescending tone. "I guess he just saw something in me that he didn't see in you."

Natsu rose from his seat, slamming his fist on the table. "There is nothing in you, that I do not possess." He spat out, anger seeping through his voice. Cana placed her hand over Natsu's in an attempt to calm him. Natsu took notice of Cana's action and took a deep breath before flashing Mira a smile of his own. His momentary rage subsided, but his arrogance remained. "Am I really going to have to beat you down again? Put you in your place in front of everyone?" Luckily for Natsu, Mira's skin was just as easy to get under. They only difference was that Natsu knew, beyond a shadow of doubt, that he could back up his words. "I mean, even our nicknames say that I'm above you. Don't all demons aim to become angels?"

Mira just stood back and smiled as Natsu ranted. She allowed him to finish before she began speaking. "Still such a child." She taunted. "As much as I would love to kick your ass, I have an important job to go on." She held up a paper labeled "Urgent S-Class" on it. Natsu's eyes widened upon seeing it, which Mira took notice of. "Still can't go on these can you?" She mocked. "You know, maybe if you beg, I just might let you come with me." Mira leaned closer to the table and batted her eyes. "That is, if Cana doesn't mind letting me borrow her dragon for today?" Mira turned to Cana and gave a mocking wink. Mira's eyes stayed glued on Cana signaling she was expecting an answer.

Cana had stayed quiet, only offering silence support to Natsu throughout the conversation. But Mira trying to steal Natsu away prompted her to speak. "Actually, we already have plans for today. We are going to find Natsu a home" Cana smiled sweetly, but Natsu knew she was upset with the white-haired girl across from them.

"Oh? Already looking for a house? You sure do move fast Cana. Though, I think you're skipping a few steps." Mira then turned her attention back towards Natsu. "Natsu. If you ever want to go on a job or something else, you know where to find me. All you have to do is ask." Mira said throwing in another wink, this time towards the Dragon Slayer. "Do be a good boy while I'm gone Natsu. And try to not destroy anything." Natsu clenched his fist and was about to raise it, but Cana quickly intercepted it and held it at his side.

"Yeah, I'll make sure he doesn't do anything reckless." Cana said with a bit of venom in her voice. Mira stared down Cana for a moment before turning to the door and signaling for her siblings to follow. They waited until Mira had left the guild before sitting back down. Cana exhaled as she laid her head on the table. "She can be so much sometimes."

"You should stand up to her more often." Cana gave Natsu a puzzled look. "The moment you spoke up, she left. Maybe she's scared of you?"

"Really Natsu? She's one of the most intimidating people in the guild. Why would she be scared of me?"

"Because you have a dragon." Natsu stated. This comment caught Cana by surprise. How could he say something like that so nonchalantly? A light blushed formed on her cheeks from his words. It was things like this that made Cana wonder if maybe, just maybe, Natsu knew.

"Whatever. Let's just go find you a house." Cana blurted out flusteredly. Taking Natsu's hand, she led him out of the guild.

"Hello! We are looking to buy a house today. Would you mind showing us the ones available?" Cana asked the lady at the realtor's office."

"Of course! I would love to help you two find the perfect home! What things do you have in mind for what you would like in a home?" She asked the pair. Cana looked to Natsu who was awkwardly standing in the corner, not really paying any attention. She sighed, knowing that she would be the one doing most of the talking today.

"Well, we are looking for a house for him," she pointed towards Natsu. "Sorry about him by the way, he's a bit shy."

"Oh no worries! I'm sure we'll be able to find something he'll love!" She made her way over to Natsu and began asking him questions on what he would want in a house. "What is the most important quality you're looking for?"

"Privacy." Natsu stated clearly.

"Privacy. Noted." She repeated back to him while jotting it down on her notebook. "How many bedrooms are you wanting? One or two?" She asked. Confused, he looked at Cana, who held up two fingers.

"Two."

"Okay two bedrooms. Got it." She verbally confirmed. "Anything else?" Natsu shook his head. "It seems like we have three available houses. Would you two like to go view those?" Natsu and Cana both nodded at the lady's words. "Excellent! If you would just follow me. Oh, and I must say, you two make such a cute couple!" Cana's face reddened immediately at the woman's words.

A puzzled look formed across Natsu's face. "A couple?"

"Are you two not together? Oh my, how embarrassing of me."

"Together?" Natsu questioned again, then clarity hit him. "Oh you mean like mates? No, we aren't." Cana wore a dejected look after hearing what Natsu had just said. For a few moments, the three stood in a bit of an awkward silence before heading out to look at the houses.

"That was the last available house in Magnolia. Are you sure there wasn't one you liked?

Cana looked over at Natsu, who looked to be bored out of his mind. "Are you sure there aren't any more houses we haven't seen?" Cana asked the realtor.

She pondered for a moment. "Well, there is one more house. But it's a bit out of the way. And it's been vacant for a while, and to be honest we were convinced no one would want it, so we stopped showing it."

"How far out of the way is it?" Cana asked.

"It's about a fifteen minute walk from Magnolia."

Natsu perked up when he heard this. "I'll take it."

"Wouldn't you like to see it first?"

"I said I'll take it." Natsu restated, a bit harsher this time. He reached into his bag and pulled out a bag of jewels and offered it to the lady. "Keys." He demanded.

"Sir that is not how it works. We need to fill out all the correct paperwork and get the deed to the house moved over to your name back at my office. Then we can get you your keys." Natsu huffed in annoyance as he and Cana followed the realtor back to her office.

"I cannot believe you bought the place without even seeing it first." Cana yelled at Natsu. "I mean, what if the place is completely run down? Or what if it's not even there anymore? You heard her saying they stopped showing it a while ago?" She continued with her scolding.

Natsu stopped walking and let out a groan. "You wanted me to get a house and I got a house. I don't see what the problem is."

"The problem is you should never buy something without inspecting it first, especially something this big. C'mon Natsu, how irresponsible can you be?"

"Do you want to go check the house out with me or not? You're beginning to get annoying Cana. If you want to keep yelling at me like that, you can go home." Natsu stared into Cana's eyes with his soulless expression he used to intimidate the other member of Fairy Tail. If he had looked at her like that when they were younger, he would've scared her. But now, she knew his words were no more than empty threats when they were directed towards her. She snatched the key from his hand and took off in the direction his new house was in.

"Are you coming?" Cana yelled out after seeing Natsu wasn't following her. Natsu shook his head and laughed. He liked this more authoritative side of Cana. He like the backbone she had developed during her time with him. Shaking himself out of his thought, he rushed to catch up to Cana.

The two arrived at a small stone house in a small clearing of the surrounding forest. "Oh Natsu, it's cute! You made a good call." Cana praised him before running to open the door.

"I'm sorry, what was that? Weren't you getting on to me for that a few minutes ago?"

"Semantics." Cana brushed him off.

Once they entered the house, the first thing they noticed was a coat of dust settling down after being disturbed by the door opening. "Okay so the place could use a cleanup, but other than that, it looks good to me!" Cana wasted no time making herself at home in Natsu's new home. "Now in terms of decorations, I was thinking we could stick to a simple design. Thoughts?"

"Yeah I was just thinking about that and had an idea. How about I just give you the jewels and you just get some stuff for my house? I think that sounds like a good idea to me."

"So you want me to do all the work?" Cana asked with a fake annoyance in her voice.

"Consider it the price of admission for when you barge into my home because I have a feeling like you're going to be doing that a lot."

"Oh most definitely." Cana though over the deal for a moment. "Very well. I accept your offer. But how about we save that for tomorrow? We took a bit longer finding a house than I had anticipated. Let's get something to eat and then head back to the guild. Sound good?" Natsu nodded. Cana let out a laugh. Sometimes she forgot just how childlike Natsu could be.

When Natsu and Cana got back to the guild they noticed it was usually quiet. They wondered what happened as they walked in and saw that everyone was crying, gathered around an inconsolable Mirajane and Elfman. Cana asked what happened, but no one answered her. Everyone remained quiet. Natsu knew. Between the stench of blood that stained their clothes, the state Mirajane and Elfman were in, and the fact they youngest Strauss was missing. It was obvious. It was Lisanna. She was dead.

Natsu left Cana's side and walked over to the two remaining Strauss siblings. The entire guild tensed up. They knew Natsu and Mirajane didn't like each other. They could only imagine what Natsu would say to her. They all knew his stance on death. He would always say those who couldn't keep up deserve to be left behind. Natsu stopped in front of the crying siblings and looked down at them with a blank expression. Mira looked up at him and wiped her crying eyes. "What do you want?" She spat out. "Going to tell me how much of a weakling I am? How much of a failure I am? How I should've let you go on that quest instead of me? How I got my little sister killed?" Mira paused for a minute as more tears streamed down her face. "GO ON NATSU! JUST TELL ME!" She screamed. "Nothing you say to me will make me feel any worse than I already do." As she finished her outburst, tears poured from her eyes as Erza offered her a tissue. Everyone glared at Natsu, awaiting his response. Cana watched the interaction between the two with bated breath, hoping Natsu would not try to antagonize her in this moment.

"I'm sorry about your sister." Natsu's words caught everyone off guard. "She was very kind and did not deserve to die." After his out of character kind word, he offered a small bow. When he finished, he turned and walked out the guild. Mirajane watched as the Dragon Slayer exited the guild and mumbled a thank you in-between her sobs. Cana was proud of Natsu. This was the first time she could remember seeing him say something kind to someone other than herself. Part of her wanted to go find Natsu, but she knew right now her place was with the guild mourning the loss of one of their family members.

Hello everyone! I'm so sorry about the wait, but between work, school, the new CoD, God of War, the Pokémon games, and working on my own original writings, my November was pretty busy. But I should be getting a lot free time in the next few months so my aim get on a consistent weekly upload schedule. I've got a pretty good idea on how I want the rest of this story to go, so I'm looking forward to making that happen! Again, so sorry you all had to wait so long. I promise to not take that long of a break again! Have a great day. And thanks for stopping by! - Sinh

Okay this is the right chapter! I promise. Sorry about that, I was pretty sleepy when I uploaded last night. As compensation I will post a bonus chapter later today. I'm also going to be changing the name of this chapter because I think the new name suits it better and the pervious name will suit the next chapter better. Again, sorry for the confusion! - Sinh