#ftfanfics

Things still hadn’t gone back to normal between them, and truth be told, Gray was still worried that Lucy’s attempt to rewrite the book of END might have changed Natsu somewhat.

But he knew that wasn’t exactly fair. It wasn’t so much that Natsu was different now; it was more that he didn’t know how to act around others.

And who could blame him? Even the people around town who had always treated Natsu as a friend had begun to treat him differently.

On top of that, after spending years searching for answers to his past, he’d certainly learned more than he’d bargained for. Who his family was, how he’d ended up with Igneel, the connection he shared with Wendy, Gajeel, Sting and Rogue as well as Lucy’s ancestor.

Even more, he’d learned what he was and the purpose he’d been meant to fulfill.

How many people had been killed or had their lives destroyed because of Zeref’s attempts to resurrect him? How did anyone live with that knowledge?

It was something Gray could easily sympathize with. After all, guilt was something he dealt with daily. For the people who had died so he could live, for not returning Juvia’s fervent affections, and for not being able to offer his father the peace he’d asked for.

And now he could add trying to kill the person he loved most and breaking a promise to the list.

Gray didn’t know how they were going to come back from any of this, but he knew that as much as he wanted to tell him he was wrong, Natsu was on to something. He needed to leave to sort through all of his doubts and fears, including this new one that he was a danger to his friends.

Zeref might be gone, but that had never stopped dark sorcerers from searching out any vestiges of his magic, and that was part of what Natsu was now.

But Gray wasn’t just about to let him do it alone.

And he wasn’t taking no for an answer.

“Who said anything about stopping you?” Gray said. “I’m going with you.”

Natsu’s head jerked up and Gray pointed at the travel bag that hung on his shoulder.

“But what about Juvia?” He blurted out before adding in a softer tone, “And the others?”

“Juvia will never get over her creepy obsession if I stay, and as for the others,” he paused, because the truth is this part did make him sad. “They’ll be fine.”

The members of Fairy Tail had been his family for so long, he knew he’d miss them all terribly.

But everyone had to leave home sometime. It was part of growing up, and he truly felt that his future lay with Natsu.

He knew mending their relationship wouldn’t be easy, but it was important to him to try. Besides, he’d already discussed it with Gramps, and the old man had agreed. This was what was best for Natsu right now, and it would be much better if he didn’t go alone.

“I don’t know where I’m going.” Natsu said, looking a little embarrassed by the admission.

“I expected that from a Flame Brain like you.” Gray laughed. “That’s okay. We can figure it out on the way. I doubt it matters much, anyway.”

“Are you sure about this? It could get dangerous.”

“Standing next to you is dangerous,” Gray scoffed. “Don’t worry about me, love, I can hold my own.”

“Love?” Natsu said, sounding puzzled at hearing the familiar term of endearment. “But I thought…”

“Well, that was your first mistake,” Gray quipped, but when Natsu didn’t laugh, he gave up the pretense that everything was alright between them.

“I know I fucked up. Said and did things I didn’t mean, but that doesn’t mean I stopped loving you. And I know it won’t be easy, but I want to work on us again.”

Natsu searched his eyes for the briefest of seconds, and satisfied with whatever he found in them, he began walking, pulling Gray along with him.

Happy flew around them, looking much more cheerful now that he knew Gray was joining them on their journey this time around.

They heard the commotion before they saw what it was, and Gray groaned as they got to the top of the hill, only to find Erza and just about everyone else in the guild waiting for them.

“You didn’t really think you’d be able to leave us without a proper sendoff, did you?” Erza asked, looking incredibly pleased with herself as everyone else snorted their agreement.

Yes, he’d rather hoped so. Gray hated scenes and he could already feel Natsu stiffening next to him. He shot an annoyed glare at Gramps, but the old man merely shrugged his shoulders unapologetically.

Natsu was examining the ground again, and curious what brought that about, he looked around and noticed Lucy heading towards them.

“It’s alright, Natsu. I’ll be just fine this time.” Lucy smiled. “I’m even working on a book about all of our adventures. Levy is helping me.”

Natsu looked up at that. She wrapped him up in a quick hug, and Gray backed away to give them some space.

“I-I just wanted to say thank you for everything. All the times you saved me, and all the fun we had. These last couple of years I was able to find a family again, and it was all thanks to you. I’m going to miss you. You too, Gray!”

“We saved each other,” Natsu corrected with a fond smile, even as Happy flew into Lucy’s arms and hugged her.

“Don’t let him destroy too much, Happy, okay?”

Happy nodded solemnly and gave his customary, “Aye, sir!”

Everyone jumped in with well wishes and words of encouragement until there were only a few left.

“I promised myself I wouldn’t cry,” Wendy wailed as she hugged them tightly.

“It’s okay, kiddo. You’ll see us again!” Gray assured her, hoping that he was right. He didn’t know how long this journey of theirs would take, but he hoped they could return someday.

“Try to keep your pants on,” Cana said as she hugged Gray. She whispered, “Unless you don’t have to…”

“Cana!” Gray protested as he shoved her away playfully.

“I heard that,” Natsu grumbled.

“I know,” Cana winked, capturing him in a hug as well. “Take care of each other, and say hi to my old man for me if you bump into him on the road.”

Natsu nodded.

Mira, Elfman, and Lisanna came as a group. Mira handed Natsu a bag with food.

“Here you go, I packed you both some lunch.” Mira fussed over them, “Don’t forget to eat, and write us letters from time to time to let us know how you’re doing.”

Lisanna giggled, “Like Natsu would ever forget to eat.”

She gave him a big hug, “Take care of yourselves.”

She whispered something into Natsu’s ear that Gray did not catch, but his face turned an interesting shade of red, and he shushed her.

Interesting…

Gray had little chance to think about what she might have said because Elfman enveloped them in a hug and slapped both their backs hard enough for it to hurt.

“Elfman, are you crying?” Mira asked, watching her younger brother with an amused smile.

“Crying is manly,” Elfman wiped away at his eyes.

Warren stepped forward and handed them each a mobile lacrima device. “Here, take these, in case you want to get in touch or something.”

“You don’t have to-”

Gray got no further as Warren turned away, muttering “Just take them.”

“Is he crying?” Natsu whispered, and Gray could only shrug in response.

Macao and Romeo came next, and neither made any effort to hide their tears. “Take care, you two, and try to get along, will ya?”

Romeo only stared at them and it was then Gray remembered he’d been the one who’d never given up on them all those years they’d been stuck on Tenrou.

“You’re going to have to train hard,” Natsu told him, “Cause I’m leaving you in charge of the guild while I‘m gone, okay?”

Romeo nodded, and like Wendy before him, hugged them both at once. Gray found himself petting his head, as Macao used to do to them when they were younger. It didn’t feel like it had been all that long ago, really.

“I’m not gonna say goodbye, since I plan to pop in on you now and again.” Loke gave them each a fist bump. “So make sure you have interesting stuff to tell me.”

He stepped back to stand between Cana and Lucy.

“Juvia doesn’t see why Natsu has to take Gray-sama with him,” Juvia wailed loudly to anyone who would listen.

“Try not to get too lost in that little head of yours, alright?” Gajeel slapped Natsu on the back. He shook Gray’s hand and muttered. “I’ll try to keep the crazy away as much as I can, but you guys might want to hurry the first couple of days, so there isn’t a trail for her to follow.”

“Thanks, man.”

“Don’t mention it.”

Gajeel waited while Pantherlily and Carla said their goodbyes to Happy.

That left only Erza and Gramps. Erza pushed Makarov’s wheelchair over to them.

“I better not hear you two are running around destroying towns and bothering people,” Erza started off sternly, but by the end of her scolding, there were tears in the corner of her eyes.

Gray could feel matching tears coming on and he could hear Natsu sniffling next to him too.

“Come here, you two,” Erza said, grabbing them both into a fierce hug. “You’ve come so far. You’re going to be just fine, I just know it. I’ll- I’ll miss you.”

They held on to her tightly, letting her cry over them. Gray had known she’d be the hardest. For as strict as she’d always been on them, they shared the most history. Not to mention she’d also been the one to force them to get past their stupid rivalry.

They finally let go of her, smiling as they wiped away their tears.

“There’s only one thing left to do.” Gramps said, and everyone lined up behind him.

“While you are leaving us, always remember that Fairy Tail will always be your home, and should you, no, when you choose to return, it will be here waiting for you.”

“Now, as you know, there are three rules that any mage who leaves Fairy Tail must abide by.

Number One - You must never reveal sensitive information about Fairy Tail to others for as long as you live.

Number Two - You must never use former contacts met through your being in the guild for personal gain.

And Number Three - Though our paths may have diverged, you must continue to live out your life with all your might. You must never consider your own life to be something insignificant, and you must never forget about your friends for as long as you live.”

Gramps looked so small in that wheelchair, fragile almost, and Gray had a passing thought that this might be the last time they got to see him. He felt his heart clench at the thought, not ready to think about losing anyone else that was important to him.

“Thanks, Gramps.” There was so much more Gray wanted to say to him, but he had a feeling the old man knew. “For everything.”

“Yeah, Gramps, thanks for taking me in.” Natsu smiled, the first genuine smile Gray had seen since the war had ended.

“The pleasure was mine,” Gramps grinned, “Well, most of the time anyway. Now, get going!”

“Take care of yourselves boys, and try not to be so reckless.”

“Bye everyone!” Natsu and Gray called out, waving to everyone before turning around and walking away.

Gray reached out for Natsu’s hand, wanting to test the waters, and was pleased to find Natsu didn’t fight him off.

Now that they were finally on their way, the wave of sadness lifted and the excitement creeped in again, and as they turned back one last time they saw everyone had lifted their hands in air making the Fairy Tail hand signal.

Even if we can't see you... no matter how far away you may be... we will always be watching you.

“We’ll be back someday,” Gray squeezed the hand he held in his.

“I hope so.”

Happy took one look at their joined hands and squeaked. “I knew it! You looooove him!”

“Do not, shut up!” Natsu yelled, pulling away from Gray and chasing after the Exceed.

“You looooove him, you looooove him!” Happy chanted, flying just out of Natsu’s reach.

Gray watched them and chuckled, glad to see Natsu acting more like himself. They had left their home behind, and it would be tough going, but in the end, he truly hoped Natsu could find the peace he was looking for, and he wanted nothing more than to share it with him.

But of course, there was nothing wrong with having a few adventures along the way!

0-0

A/N: This is immensely personal for me. Today is the last day of the last Gratsu Week hosted by @becausewhenyoupracticeyouimprove and the @gratsu-week blog on Tumblr. It was the first event I ever participated in back in 2018, and it's an event that I have helped organize for the last three years. It's very special to me.

So it is very fitting that the last ever prompt was goodbye.

More than just a story, this represents my goodbye to canon as well. I will go no further than this point.

I was one of those people who was really excited by the announcement that Fairy Tail would continue in 100 Year's Quest, because God knows I wasn't ready to let go.

But from the moment it first came out, I was horrified by what it turned out to be (a horrible story whose only purpose was to further the big 4, with even more fan service than before, and I won't even get into the character assassination). As such, I refuse to have anything to do with it. So I have ended things my way, because if the point of Fairy Tail is now ships, then I will sail with mine.

The dragon slayer patted the seat beside him on their couch. Freed placed a peck on his cheek as he sat down, swinging one graceful leg over the other. They were both silent for a moment before Freed spoke again, “It’s a lot to take in, isn’t it?”

Laxus nodded, “It’s just… so weird. As a member of Fairy Tail, I feel like I’m expected to be happy about this. But… he was also my father. I mean, he was never a great dad, but he was there.”

“How do you feel about it?”

“I… don’t know,” Laxus admitted, “Empty, maybe? I’m not sad, but I’m not happy either. I don’t really feel anything.

Freed hummed, “That’s understandable. You don’t have to feel a certain way about it. Nobody is expecting anything from you about this.”

“It’s just… something that’s been there my entire life is just suddenly gone. I guess I kinda miss him, but not as a father. Just as someone who’s always been out there. Is that weird?”

The rune mage shook his head, “We all process in different ways. Everything about this is complicated,” Freed’s arm wrapped around his shoulders, pulling the dragon slayer closer, “If you need some time off to process, we’d all understand.”

Laxus let out a huff of laughter, “I think that would be the worst thing for me. I just need something to take my mind off of it.”

Freed smiled before resting his chin on Laxus’s shoulder, “If there’s anything you need, I’ll be here.”

Laxus kissed his husband’s forehead, “Thanks. I love you.”

“And I you.”

The dragon slayer sat still as the rune mage slowly fell asleep, still leaning against him. Freed always looked so peaceful when he slept, his features gentle as his chest rhythmically rose and fell. It was always comforting to see him rest, since he hardly ever slept when they had first met. The Thunder Legion had always been like a family, and they had lost their eldest brother as children. Freed had taken it the hardest, hardly ever sleeping in fear that he would have nightmares about all the people he had lost.

“Papa?”

Laxus looked over to the little boy in the doorway, trying his best to not disturb his husband, “Hey Yuri. What’s up?”

The boy made his way over to Laxus, climbing up onto the couch and then onto his father’s lap, “Is something wrong?”

“Huh? No, why do you ask?”

Yuri frowned, “Your eyes look sad.”

Laxus sighed. Even though he was only five years old, Yuri was always very empathetic. He cared so much for every living thing, insisting that they take in injured birds and nurse them back to health. It was adorable, but Laxus had always wondered where he’d gotten that from, “I guess I am a little sad. But it’s not anything you have to worry about.”

“Is it about Robin?”

The dragon slayer froze. It was rare anyone ever mentioned their lost daughter. Robin was Yuri’s twin sister who had suddenly died three years ago. Although it was no longer taboo to mention her in the guild, nobody ever had much of a reason to talk about her. Laxus always hated remembering the months after she had passed away, when everything had been so bleak and he and Freed grieved every night.

But this was nothing like that. All in all, it was a good thing Ivan was dead, “No, it’s not about her. I’ll tell you when you’re older.”

“Oh, okay,” Yuri said, “I’m sorry I talked about her. She makes you upset.”

“It’s alright. It’s just a little hard to talk about her sometimes.”

“Can you tuck me in?”

“Of course. Just give me a minute, I don’t want to wake up your dad.”

Laxus slowly shifted Freed off of him, laying the smaller man down on the couch as carefully as he could before taking Yuri back to his own bedroom. The boy climbed into bed, pulling the covers over himself. The lightning dragon pressed a kiss against his son’s forehead before tugging the covers up just a little further. Yuri yawned, curling up on his side. Laxus waited until the boy was barely conscious before standing up. He brushed a strand of bright blonde hair out of the boy’s face.

“Good night, Yuri.”

“‘Night, Papa,” he mumbled sleepily.

Laxus sighed, slowly closing the door behind him as he left his son’s room. He was lucky to have a kid who was so kind and easygoing. Even he couldn’t remember much of Robin, but he was sure she was more difficult than Yuri was. Still, just thinking about his daughter made his heart ache.

It was an age of peace for Fairy Tail. There hadn’t been any major conflicts in nine years, and the guild was flourishing with new life as the members settled down and started families. Even so, Laxus had suffered so many losses. Makarov had died exactly a year before the twins were born, then Robin, and now Ivan.

When he walked back to the living room, Freed was sitting upright, staring at the lake beyond their window. He stood when he heard Laxus approach, blue eyes almost glowing in the low light.

“Sorry,” Laxus said quietly, “I tried not to wake you up.”

“It’s quite alright,” Freed responded easily, “You had to take care of Yuri. Besides, I’ve always been a light sleeper.”

The dragon slayer looked at his feet, “So did you hear what he asked me about?”

Freed frowned, “I didn’t. Is something wrong?”

Laxus shook his head, “Don’t worry about it. It’s not important.”

The rune mage crossed his arms, “You know you don’t have to try to protect me. Come now, I can handle it.”

The lightning dragon sighed his resignation, “He noticed that I was upset and he… he asked if it was about Robin.”

Freed went quiet.

“Of course, he’s allowed to talk about her, but it still hurts, you know?”

“Yeah. I know.”

They both stood silently for a long moment, until Laxus heard a quiet sniffle. Freed wiped tears from his eyes as the lightning dragon looked up.

“Oh, Freed,” Laxus murmured, pulling his husband into a hug.

The rune mage shuddered, “It’s been three years since then. I should be over it. It shouldn’t still make me feel like this.”

“No, no. It’s fine to still be upset. What happened was horrible. Nobody expects you to just get over something like that,” Laxus comforted, “It still hurts me when I hear people talk about her.”

“Gods, I miss her so much.”

Laxus pulled his husband closer, “So do I. But when someone dies, there’s nothing we can do about it. We just have to be happy that they lived.”

Freed chuckled softly, “You inherited the master’s way with words, too.”

“Yeah. I guess I did,” the dragon slayer murmured, “I’m sad he’s gone, but I’m lucky to have had him there when I needed him.”

Laxus smiled, thinking of all the ridiculous things his grandfather did to cheer him up when he was little. He truly was grateful to have such a person with him.

“Freed?”

“Hmm?”

“Promise me you’ll always be by my side.”

“Of course, love. I would never leave you,” Freed responded, “But in return, you must promise me something.”

“Anything.”

“If, for whatever reason, something happens to me, take care of Yuri and the Thunder Legion. They need you.”

Laxus chuckled, “Of course. But nothing will happen to you, right?”

“Of course not. I love you all too much to ever dream of leaving.”

“Good, ‘cause we need you too.”

It wasn’t the fact that it is always Natsu who pulls him out of his darkness which bothered him. If there is anyone in this whole world who is needed to save him, if there is anyone who can save him, it is Natsu. Gray wouldn’t have it otherwise.

What bothered him was the fact that Natsu has to save him at all.

“Am I really this pathetic?” he said to himself.

“Yes. Yes, you are.”

Gray closed his eyes, remembering the events that happened at that time. One moment before he was standing with his arms crossed over each other, his ice wrapping Zeref in the shell. In the next moment, he was on the ground with Natsu on top of him, tears streaming down his face, yelling at him to stop.

To live.

Gray snapped open his eyes as the memories turn vivid. He took deep breaths, tried to calm his heart which was speeding in the rib cage. He looked down at his palms when it hit him. He realised the monstrosity of what he had tried to do.

“I promised him that I won’t try it again. And there was I, selfishly trying to kill myself, hell erase my entire existence,” he said aloud and bit his lips, hard enough to tear out blood.

His caught the salmon pink hair. The Dragon Slayer was sitting beside Lucy, talking animatedly with his wide grin and loud laugh.

Something inside of Gray rippled.

Again, the visions of the incidents flashed before him. But this time it was different.

Zeref’s words echoed in the guildhall. Natsu was going to die.

Natsu was going to die.

Natsu was going to die.

And at the moment, Gray knew that he has to do what he had done. Because this is what people do for the people they care about; they sacrifice themselves if it means to bring a ray of happiness for others.

And for Natsu, Gray knew that he will gladly lay down his life.

The ice mage again took a look at him-- how his eyes light up with happiness and mischief, as if they have sparks of fire in them. Natsu was made up of noises, laughter, fire, destruction and sunshine. His loudness and optimism was enough for both of them and compensated the lack on Gray’s part.

“And you clouded his brightness when you did what you did,” the voice said.

Gray knew it was true. He knows that  it’s always better to live. To be in a future where you can be with those for whom you will drop down everything. Because without you, their future won’t be bright.

To be in a future where he could simply be with Natsu.

But does Natsu deserve that?  He who makes even the existence bigger deserve someone like Gray who was messed up in many ways?

“Hey,” a voice said from behind.

Erza came and plopped down next to him.

Gray gave her a small smile in return.

“How are you doing?” she asked.

He dismissively shrugged. “Okay, I guess?”

Erza nodded and let a comfortable silence fall between them.

“Was...Do you think it-it was right?” he said, gesturing to his hands.

She smiled before saying, “We seldom reason with our actions and think of their consequences when we are dealing for the person we love.”

“Don’t you think it is wild and foolish?”

“Well, that is what they say about love.”

Gray smirked at that. “Yeah, right.”

“I think what justifies the aftermath is that you let each other grow; in between all the hell and the good times around you, you take each other’s vulnerabilities, weaknesses and strengths and stand together. There are no right answers, Gray, only right causes and people. You both deserve each other, you have chosen each other. It’s okay to fall and need them; it’s okay to lean on them because that is what trust is. That is what love is.”

Something in Gray lightened; like a fog getting clear. He realised that this is what they have always been-- they have always beat the shit out of each other to bring out their best. They have always pushed each other to become better.

They have trusted each other.

They have loved each other.

In that split second, Gray knew that he would be anything that Natsu will ever need. And he knew that Natsu would do the same.

xxx

“We will be everything that we’d ever need,” Natsu said to Lucy.

He was watching Gray talking to Erza. He was watching the way his lips slightly curl when he smiles, the way his eyes wrinkle, the way his voice sounds like a calm ocean.

He knew that he has always been way too reckless, not that he was complaining, but he was worried that he had pushed Gray beyond his limits; like he had in some way, demanded him to do the same.

It was until Lucy explained to him that they both are idiots in love who are built that way. At the same time, when you love someone, you live for them and be less heedless.

Natsu knew that they weren’t perfect. And he wouldn’t have things any other way. They communicated more through actions rather than words. Sometimes their every movement screamed that they love each other while they twist their words the other way.

Natsu had been afraid that he was not enough; that somewhere he fails to make them whole; complete.

But now he realised that all they have to do is to simply love each other with so much conviction and all their heart. And that will be more than enough.

If you had asked Gajeel, how he felt about the bluenette that frequented his work place, he would claim to not know what you were talking about. To be honest, he couldn’t wrap his head around it either. He barely paid attention to people, and at work, it was more about the food and drinks that the people he was serving. He kept to himself so much that even his play-cousin, Natsu, had no idea he worked there. Not that he was ashamed. It was a hard job and took some time to master, and Gajeel needed something for himself. Something different away from the stereotypical jobs that people assumed he did.

So he worked at Starbucks. He made drinks, bettered his customer service skills, was able to speak his mother’s tongue, and enjoyed the peace in the moments of chaos.

But she made him crazy in a way. Like he didn’t even know what was going on. It was like his brain saw that bluenette and would take over. He would already be busy and sometimes manage to avoid her, but then if he did have to talk to her, he could barely say a word. He was always relieved when the ticket came in and saw her name with a mobile order. That meant as minimal interaction as possible. Everyone knew she never stayed inside, so that meant Gajeel could force himself to stay focus and only get a second to glance at her before continuing the task at hand.

Truthfully, he didn’t mean to give her a size up from her order. The first time was an accident. He had way too much extra from her drink and just poured into another cup. This was another mobile order of hers, and when she came to pick it up, she had paused for a moment to examine the drink. To be fair, her expression was well…cute. The size-up order came from his lips without much thought, and the employees seemed to listen for some unknown reason.

But here he was now. Staring at that bluenette up close and personal. Natsu invited him to hang out with his friends for a birthday, and Gajeel needed some relief after a long double-shift especially the first half with nagging from two particular women. He had no idea Natsu knew the girl otherwise he would have come up with some lame excuse. He didn’t know what to say. Sure, he noticed his coworkers speaking to her earlier, but he wasn’t prepared to deal with Levy head-on that same day.

The two just starred at each other.

Feeling the tension in the air, Lucy got up and grabbed Natsu by the arm. “Come on, let’s see where the others are.”

Levy groaned mentally. Lucy, what if he’s a psychopath?! Levy shook her head. Calm down, Lucy knows him. She wouldn’t leave me if he wasn’t a decent guy. Levy spoke first. “Hello, my name’s Levy.” She smiled sweetly on the outside, but was screaming on the inside.

Gajeel cleared his throat and shook her hand. “Uh hi,…Gajeel…happy birthday.” He couldn’t look her in the eye.

“Thanks…”

Gajeel sighed. Get it together! Say something you idiot! “Uh-,”

“Okay, look I’m so sorry if this is awkward. I have no idea who you are, and it is so weird seeing you here. I mean like, when I go to Starbucks and see you, I’m like ‘oh cool cute scary piercing guy is here.’ I had no idea you were friends with Natsu and Lucy like ah! I hope we can get to know each other and be friends!” Levy was always good with words. She loved reading, blogs, interviews, language—anything with words! But that had to be the most thrown together, pile of throw up of English she has ever put together. She blushed and covered her face.

She wanted to evaporate. She smelled her food in front of her. The waitress must have come, but Levy didn’t want to move at all.

She then heard an exchange between the waitress and her new acquaintance. They were going back n forth in Spanish, and she could hear the teasing tone in the waitress’ voice.

“Oh my gosh Levy, I didn’t know you were Gajeel’s girlfriend.”

God, please. It’s my birthday. Levy moved her hands and smiled shyly. “What? No, we literally just met today. He’s a friend of friend. I promise!”

The woman looked deviously at Gajeel. ‘Wife her.’ She mouthed at the man. Their exchanged went on. Levy could only pick up a little of what was going on, but she watched at Gajeel’s face grew more and more red. He seemed to be shrinking as the woman kept going on.

“Oh I’m just teasing! I’ll leave you two alone now. Tell your friend to come in and get her food.” The waitress then left.

Levy couldn’t even move her attention to Lucy. The two were both blushing so hard for their own reasons. Levy had to keep the conversation going. This was already a lot going on to begin with. “So um…you go here a lot?”

Gajeel perked up immediately. Well at least she’s talking to me. “Uh yeah…she’s like an aunt to me. Our families go to the same church.” He chuckled. “She would drag me to confessional when I was teen in exchange of not telling my parents.”

Levy laughed. “Oh my gosh, that’s hilarious. She must love the piercings.”

Gajeel chuckled. “Gihi, look shrimp, I’ve done worse things to confess than these.” He seemed to beam with pride. They both laughed a little. “Uh, I just wanted to say…” he paused and cussed internally. “Sorry, I ain’t good with words n shit. I had no idea I’d actually meet you, so I hope you aren’t freaked out or anything. You’re cute n shit, and I bet you’re smart since you go to that big fancy school.” He coughed awkwardly. “I uh…yeah. I wouldn’t mind being friends either.”

Levy beamed. “Oh Gajeel, that’s great! I can tell you mean well. Plus, we’re friends with the same people. We’ll definitely get to hang out more.” Gajeel smiled a little and nodded.

Natsu and Lucy came back with the rest of their friends. They approached the two who seemed to have gotten a little more comfortable with each other. As they got close, Gajeel and Levy both turned red and blurted out simultaneously, “Wait, you think I’m cute?”

~~~