235Extremely long note ahead and the same note across all stories I just updated. In the first instance, the reason I am updating so many stories all at once is because I stick to my word and I did say if I passed my specialist exam, I would update every story that had a proofread chapter ready. Studying for this exam has basically consumed two years of my life so it is a relief that it is over. Then I failed the exam which was quite frankly a crushing blow to morale. At the same time this was all going on, my dad, who has been sick for a while now, got a lot worse this year and passed away mid-year. Even with all of that going on, I was still trying to study for the resit of the exam in October. Then, my own health, which also hasn't been great, also worsened and I needed to be admitted to hospital briefly for some heavy immunosuppression. Again, all this time I was studying for an exam which basically is a hurdle to ever get into a medical speciality and has limited attempts so I was very anxious and stressed. How this ties into the fanfiction aspect of things, is given all of this happening, I just couldn't muster up the motivation to switch stories. What this has meant though, is I've written 300K+ of Danmachi fanfiction in the past year. There is a second exam that I need to do next year, but it is a practical exam, not a memorise all of medicine multiple choice trivia exam. I will keep writing for Danmachi up to a certain point, I'm thinking the Xenos arc, as that one I'm a little bit stuck trying to work out how to play it. Coming to my other stories now. I very much intended to finish TTONU this year but as above, lots of stuff happened. Once I switch from Danmachi, I fully intended to focus on it. That being said, I will also be writing for other stories too. Again, because of the exam, I haven't really been able to enjoy anything, as anything that was not study related, would bring up a feeling of guilt. For that reason, for most of the past 12 months, I've just been watching shows that I can passively watch in the background without distracting me, in other words, not anime. This means I have yet to watch the end of Naruto (really far behind), end of Fairy Tail (somewhat far behind), or Cour 3 of TYBW (releasing now). I plan to write for these archives when I get around to watching them, which will probably be from the start of next year. My pat reon has also been increasing in support so I am now doing two updates a month. I also made a discord server, plus there is another shared writer discord server where I have been spending most of my free time this year Remove spaces first: Currently, I'm doing a rural term and the internet here is pretty spotty, so I'll be doing a lot more writing as I can't really do much else. As I said, I'm probably going to get out a decent amount of Danmachi in the first instance. I'm up to LN 5 at the moment and will probably work my way through to LN 7 or the just before the end of 8. Then I will start catching up on my anime and write for some other archives. The thing is though, I do have a lot of chapters banked, even with all of these updates, I still have 8 raw chapters done and 39 proofread chapters ready to go, so I'll be doing double chapters every month with ease for almost 2 years, even if I don't write a single word, but of course I will be writing. As I have said many times in the past, even if it takes years, I plan to finish each and every story I've started. Thank you everyone for bearing with me and enjoying my stories, I hope to continue to deliver the best work I can for all of us. TL;DR Life has been hard, hopefully turned the corner now. SSJ3 Kyuubi Gohan. Previously:
The reason I seem to have disappeared for most of the year is not because I've actually disappeared, but because I haven't been able to shift my focus.
After getting COVID on the back of last year, I started writing a Danmachi fic. It was fun, easy, and since the world is easy to encapsulate, I was focusing on that in the lead up to my exam, with the plan to switch to my Naruto story, TTONU, after the exam.
SSJ3 Kyuubi Gohan personal discord - discord. gg/ mgAZ9GGuFG
Shared writers' discord - discord. gg/ veQrzjgNYh
Natsu would finally fill Kagura in on his knowledge of the future through the events of Memory Days, with Kagura stating her claim as the first of Natsu's interests. Natsu and Ultear would then work together to appoint Ultear as a member of the Council and Natsu the ambassador of all guilds in Fiore, Light and Dark, with the help of Grimoire Heart and Fairy Tail, with plans for Natsu to use the two to reverse death.
Disclaimer – I don't own anything from the Fairy Tail anime/manga. All I own are my original characters and plot twists.
'Talking'
"Thinking"
*expression*
Flashback
'Dragon or E.N.D. talking'
"Dragon or E.N.D. thinking"
Techniques
Chapter 10 – Kagura's feelings
Natsu eventually spotted Kagura trying to stop Happy from jumping into the local water fountain, adamantly refusing to believe that there were no fish in there.
'Haven't you had enough fish for one day?' Asked Natsu.
'Never!' Retorted Happy, before noticing it was Natsu who spoke.
'Natsu! You're back!' Exclaimed Happy, floating over and landing on Natsu's shoulder.
'It wasn't that long.' Pointed out Natsu, before Kagura also walked over to him.
'No, it wasn't. Should I be concerned you were so quick?' Asked Kagura.
'Happy, what have you done to Kagura?' Asked Natsu accusingly.
'Actually, that was my way of getting back at you for playing dumb for so long. Especially since I know you understand these things.' Admitted Kagura with a tiny smile.
'You hurt me, Kagura. When have I ever given you the impression that I was a one trick pony?' Asked Natsu in faux offense.
'You haven't, I just didn't like being strung along for so long.' Commented Kagura.
'Sorry about that, but in my defence, Happy thought it was funny too.' Deflected Natsu.
'Come on, let's go, before another one of your admirers shows up.' Prompted Kagura, reaching a hand towards Natsu.
Natsu took the hand and brought Kagura closer to him as they walked through Era, causing the woman to adopt a small smile.
'So what do you want to do now?' Asked Natsu.
'Well, I would like to see your last admirer.' Admitted Kagura.
'Well how about this week then, I need to go back to Fairy Tail anyway, but I was hoping to see how your skills were before that?' Suggested Natsu.
'That's fine with me.' Agreed Kagura easily.
'I guess we don't need dinner anymore, so why don't we head back then?' Asked Natsu.
'At least wait until we are out of the town first.' Said Kagura, with Natsu obliging with a nod.
Once the three were outside Era, Natsu wrapped his arms around Kagura, with Happy grabbing on to Kagura, before the trio flew into the air, arriving back at their training spot a short distance away from the village.
'That's probably enough excitement for today now though, isn't it?' Asked Natsu.
Kagura released a small yawn as she backed away, rubbing her right eye sleepily.
'Yeah, I agree.' Muttered Kagura, only to see Natsu smiling at her.
'What is it?' Asked Kagura, suddenly feeling slightly self-conscious.
'You look adorable when you yawn.' Admitted Natsu, causing the girl to blush furiously and growl in embarrassment.
'What are you saying, is this you trying to get back at me already?' Huffed Kagura.
'No, you just look very cute when you yawn.' Shrugged Natsu, causing Kagura to turn away in embarrassment.
'She likes him.' Teased Happy.
'You might have had your fish today Happy, but tomorrow you better be prepared to go fishing alone.' Snapped Kagura.
'How cruel! Natsu, Kagura is being mean to me!' Whined Happy dramatically.
'Not this time, Happy, you've had enough fish today to last you for a week, so if you want more, you'll need to get them yourself.' Admonished Natsu, causing Happy to cross his arms.
'I don't like the two of you being on the same page, how am I supposed to get fish like this?' Pouted Happy, causing Natsu to smile at Kagura, who returned it as well.
'Come on, let's get some rest for now.' Decided Natsu, giving a small yawn of his own.
'Hey Natsu.' Said Kagura, causing Natsu to look at her.
'What?' Asked Natsu.
'You don't look cute when you yawn.' Teased Kagura, giggling a little at Natsu's wounded expression.
'How cruel! Happy, Kagura is being mean to me!' Exclaimed Natsu, causing Kagura to laugh.
'Now you see how it feels.' Teased Happy.
'Fine then, the two of you can sleep without me tonight.' Huffed Natsu.
'No! You're our heater!' Exclaimed the pair.
'Is that all I am? A warm fire?' Huffed Natsu.
'But Natsu, you eat fire.' Commented Happy, causing Natsu to hang his head.
'Come on, that's enough fun, I'm actually tired for once.' Sighed Natsu, giving another yawn before walking off.
'Fine, we're coming.' Said Kagura, catching up to Natsu, with Happy floating above the pair.
'For the record, you do look cute when you yawn as well, I was just teasing.' Added Kagura.
'You still need to heat yourself up tonight.' Countered Natsu.
'How cruel! Happy, Natsu is being mean to me!' Teased Kagura.
'What do you want me to do, I'm just a cat.' Said Happy, causing the two humans to laugh.
-line break-
As Brandish reached the castle, still holding her fellow Spriggan, she was not surprised to see Invel standing there, his hands not in his pockets but held tightly behind his back. To Brandish, this signalled that Invel was furious.
'I was only a stowaway.' Spoke Brandish quickly, holding out her hands.
'Please enlarge them.' Requested Invel, pushing his glasses up.
Brandish opened her palms and let her fellow citizens of Alakitasia drop, while enlarging them back to their original size.
'Do you have anything to say for yourselves?' Said Invel sharply.
'It was Ajeel's idea, I just followed Brandish.' Spoke Dimaria quickly.
'Is that so. Well then, Ajeel?' Asked Invel.
'They disrespected our entire country; we couldn't just let it stand.' Ranted Ajeel.
'Perhaps you can explain that to our traders and fisherman then, seeing as how the port was annihilated, along with their ships.' Said Invel coldly.
'When did that happen?' Asked Ajeel.
'When I arrived at your location, a massive energy beam was unleashed moments later.' Informed Brandish.
'Just how exactly did you miss something of that magnitude?' Asked Invel.
Ajeel then thought as to what happened at that time and flinched.
'That guy is a monster.' Muttered Ajeel, causing Dimaria to shudder as well and nod.
'So you thought poking it was a good idea then?' Asked Invel.
'We didn't know he was a monster when we went there, he didn't even try to fight when he was here… uh.' Started Dimaria, before realising what she had said.
'Indeed, he did not try to fight and left. I also recall I explicitly said we were not going to war with that man yet.' Continued Invel.
'I will see to it that both of you help repair the port as penance.' Continued Invel, before turning to the somewhat innocent Spriggan.
'Brandish, is your assessment the same as these two? Is he a monster?' Asked Invel.
'I suppose it depends on what you consider a monster. If we are considered monsters, then yes, he is a monster.' Shrugged Brandish.
Invel hummed briefly at this assessment.
'Nothing to concern ourselves with now. I trust he will not be attempting any retaliatory actions for this invasion.' Inquired Invel.
'No. Although he has stated he will see Mari and I again in some capacity.' Admitted Brandish.
Invel pursed his lips at this.
'I must be notified if he makes contact with either of you, is that understood?' Asked Invel.
'Sure.' Agreed Brandish easily, before walking off.
'Now, as for the rest of you, off to work on the port.' Ordered Invel, getting a chorus of salutes from those gathered and somewhat more reluctant murmurs of agreement from Dimaria and Ajeel.
"Monster. I do wonder which monster is greater." Thought Invel, as he watched the soldiers head to work.
-line break-
'You know, if someone did want to assassinate you, it would be a rather simple task.' Said a voice.
Natsu woke to this statement and looked to his side to see Ikaruga standing a short distance away from him.
'Like I said, no one wants to assassinate me.' Said Natsu, softly rolling Happy's form into Kagura's arms, before deftly climbing over her to sit on the edge of the bed.
'Have I intruded on a personal moment?' Asked Ikaruga.
'No, I'm just a budget heater.' Admitted Natsu, as he stood up and pulled the covers over Kagura and Happy.
'Oh my, such a humble statement from the one who turned a forest into an arid desert.' Commented Ikaruga in amusement.
'I'm surprised you are here. Does that mean you have a lead on Zeref?' Asked Natsu, walking over to the small kitchen sink, filling a glass tumbler and having a sip of water from it, before turning to regard Ikaruga.
'No. I did not come here with information as the goal. I wanted to assess both of your abilities first.' Admitted Ikaruga.
'And you couldn't even wait a day?' Asked Natsu.
'I was very disappointed I did not get to see your skills. I too like to face strong foes to keep my own skills sharp.' Explained Ikaruga.
'Do you want anything to eat or drink, or do you want to get started now?' Asked Natsu.
'Surely you know the answer.' Countered Ikaruga, causing Natsu to let out a laugh.
'Yeah, guess I do.' Admitted Natsu, walking over to his sword and making his way outside with Ikaruga behind him.
'Do you plan to fight me in a state of undress?' Asked Ikaruga, noticing Natsu had forgone wearing his vest.
'I don't want it getting cut up, are you sure you want to wear that?' Asked Natsu, gesturing to Ikaruga's kimono.
'I will be fine.' Said Ikaruga calmly.
"Hey, let me try without your help to start." Thought Natsu.
'Don't know why, but sure.' Replied E.N.D. in amusement.
Natsu crouched down slightly, before charging at Ikaruga. Ikaruga raised her sword, pointing it forward, but held her ground. As Natsu tried a downwards slash, Ikaruga jabbed her sword into the flat of Natsu's, causing Natsu to harshly recoil, before Ikaruga followed up with a thrust at Natsu's neck. Natsu tilted his head to the side, feeling the blade come dangerously close to making contact with his skin, before ducking down again and swinging in a wide arc in front of him, only for Ikaruga to step back quickly and evade the blade. Ikaruga then aimed a slash of her own, seeking to behead Natsu. Natsu ducked again, only to find the blade had changed course and was now coming down on his head vertically. Dropping to the floor, Natsu rolled over and used his sword to block the attack. While their blades were still connected, Natsu twisted, hoping to disarm Ikaruga, only for her to spin with the movement in mid-air and bring her sword back on Natsu's form. Natsu cursed and rolled out of the way, before jumping to his feet.
"Ok, I'm tagging you in now." Thought Natsu.
Natsu crouched down and kicked off the ground, aiming a stab at Ikaruga. Ikaruga prepared to counter, only for Natsu to let his wings out and use them to propel himself forward at speed. Ikaruga's smile didn't seem to waver though and just as Natsu was almost upon her, spun in a circle, enshrining herself in a fiery whirlwind. Ikaruga was slightly surprised when Natsu charged straight through the fire, rather than going above ,but had already prepared her counter and slashed upwards. Natsu flapped his wings and flew into the air, before coming down with a vertical stab. Ikaruga leapt into the air and clashed with Natsu's attack, before the flames were pushed back. Natsu closed his wings over his form, feeling numerous slashes against his wings. Leaping back, Natsu stared at Ikaruga who waited for his next move.
'So you weren't surprised by any of that?' Asked Natsu.
'In my line of work, being surprised means death.' Replied Ikaruga.
'So does that mean I won't be able to surprise you no matter what I do?' Asked Natsu.
'That depends on what you do.' Retorted Ikaruga.
'Fine, in that case, I've been meaning to try something out.' Muttered Natsu, switching his sword to a reverse grip.
Ikaruga raised an eyebrow but didn't respond otherwise. A moment later, Natsu charged straight at Ikaruga with a direct frontal assault. Ikaruga lowered herself slightly and prepared to lunge forward, only for Natsu to jump into the air and spin. Ikaruga slowed herself and waited, before choosing her point to strike at Natsu's neck, only for him to bite down on her sword with his teeth. Ikaruga's eyes widened at how strong the grip on her sword was, only for Natsu to bring his blade upwards and slash. Ikaruga had no other choice and leaned backwards, letting her grip on her sword slacken. Natsu finally finished his spin, landing back on his feet, Ikaruga's sword still clenched in his teeth, with the swordswoman herself just outside of his arms reach.
'That was a surprise.' Commented Ikaruga.
'I almost thought you weren't going to make it.' Joked Natsu, after he took the sword out of his mouth.
'Well, I can say that I am unscathed, although I cannot say the same for my attire. Perhaps I should have fought with fewer garments as well.' Admitted Ikaruga, holding her black belt up and seeing it now had a crescent shaped slash through it.
'I don't think we would have had as good a fight then.' Countered Natsu.
'Oh, so if I had disrobed you would have been defeated?' Asked Ikaruga, pulling the top of her kimono to the side slightly.
'That's not what I meant.' Said Natsu, before Ikaruga opened her top to the point that her chest was almost spilling out of it.
Natsu involuntarily averted his gaze and the next moment grunted as his back hit the floor.
'If the temptation of a woman has this much of an effect on you, you would be quite an easy target.' Purred Ikaruga, her knee in Natsu's gut and her sword wrenched from his grip and placed along his left jugular vein.
'Well it isn't like any woman would have had that much of an effect.' Muttered Natsu, causing Ikaruga to smile.
'While I do appreciate the compliment, I believe I am here to gauge your sword skills. Another time perhaps.' Whispered Ikaruga.
'Are we interrupting?' Asked Kagura, Happy floating in the air behind her with his two paws covering his mouth and his chuckles.
'No, we have finished now.' Admitted Ikaruga, making to stand, only for her robe to spill off her shoulders, exposing her chest to the world.
Natsu who was still under the pink-haired swordswoman, suddenly felt faint.
'I don't suppose you would have a needle and thread I could make use of? It seems my belt will need to be urgently repaired.' Queried Ikaruga, closing her robe to protect her modesty.
'Sure. The kit is inside. Also, I'm first, so don't get any ideas.' Replied Kagura, causing Happy to snicker.
Natsu meanwhile continued to lay on the ground.
"Wow." Thought Natsu after a minute, causing E.N.D. to laugh.
-line break-
'So what did you think?' Asked Natsu, once Kagura and Ikaruga had finished their spar.
'Is there any reason you two both fight with sheathed swords?' Questioned Ikaruga.
'Because to unsheathe means someone is going to die. I don't want to kill you obviously.' Explained Natsu, with Kagura also nodding.
'How interesting. Well, if the pair of you intend to continue this sheathed sword style, I would advise you to focus more on power than speed. You will need to use power to fully take advantage of your style, not grace, speed, or technique.' Suggested Ikaruga.
'You make it sound like we are using them as hammers.' Commented Kagura, causing Ikaruga to nod.
'In a way you are. Yes, they can still be used to cut, but their primary use is blunt force trauma.' Replied Ikaruga.
'Should we learn how to use them without sheathes then?' Asked Kagura.
'It would be my suggestion.' Repeated Ikaruga.
'Sorry, I can't unsheathe this for combat unless I do plan to kill. Kagura, I think it would be useful for you to try with your blade if you want, you don't need to follow what I do.' Interjected Natsu.
'No, that is all right, I will learn how to turn even this sheathe into a deadly blade.' Declared Kagura.
'Well, there is the Style of the Undrawn Long Sword. Specifically, it would allow you to make use of a sheathed blade as though it were a true blade, but it is not an easy style to master.' Offered Ikaruga.
'My life has not been easy, so you don't need to worry about that.' Countered Kagura.
'I might take your advice and focus on power instead.' Commented Natsu.
'If that is the case, I will return at a later date with some forms for the two of you to study. I bid you both farewell for now then.' Spoke Ikaruga, giving a small bow with a smile, before walking off.
'So should we head to Fairy Tail now then?' Asked Natsu.
'Shouldn't we have something to eat first?' Asked Kagura.
'We can pick something up on the way, we'll be passing through quite a few forests.' Explained Natsu.
'Will they have fish?' Asked Happy.
'They might, but you need to catch them yourself.' Advised Natsu, causing Happy to let out a whine of displeasure.
'It might be nice to wash up a bit first.' Added Kagura.
'Oh, I know just the spot.' Commented Natsu, now eagerly walking back into the house to get his vest and the rest of his things, so they could head off.
Kagura also went inside to gather her things, but also had a bit of water, finding she was a little thirsty after her fight with Ikaruga. Kagura sighed after her drink, recalling how difficult her fight with Ikaruga was. While she didn't sustain any injuries, Natsu was right, fighting against someone who might actually kill her was a lot more stressful than she thought it would be. That is not to say she believed Ikaruga would kill her, but she wouldn't be as careful as Natsu so as to not maim her badly. It did make Kagura question Natsu's "future close friends", as she decided to call them. From what she understood so far, aside from herself, all of these other "future close friends" were enemies in some capacity. Kagura decided that it was therefore up to her to make sure no one managed to take advantage of Natsu, and she got the sense that at least one of them wanted to do that.
'Ready to go?' Asked Natsu, breaking Kagura out of her thoughts.
Kagura slung her backpack on both her shoulders as Natsu had done and picked up Happy, holding him to her chest with her left arm, while reaching out to grab Natsu's hand with her right.
'Ready now.' Said Kagura, causing Natsu to smile.
The group took their time walking through the forest, with Natsu occasionally pointing out a place where he found something interesting and picking some of the edible berries on the way as a snack. Happy had dozed off during the walk and Natsu had placed him on his head, freeing up Kagura's other hand, allowing her to point and ask Natsu about some of the things in the forest. At some point, Kagura ran out of things to ask about the forest and decided to ask about what she really wanted to discuss.
'Natsu, these other… "future close friends" of yours… how can you be sure that they aren't using you?' Asked Kagura.
'Oh I know some of them are, but that's okay.' Admitted Natsu, causing the girl to turn towards him.
'Would you mind explaining that to me?' Asked Kagura.
'Sure. It's pretty simple really, people use each other, but that doesn't always mean it is a bad thing. Some of them are using me as a goal, some of them are using me as a form of entertainment, and some of them want me to do something for them. It's not all bad though, as I am using them to help me out as well.' Elaborated Natsu.
Kagura frowned at this, before reflecting that they had just used Ikaruga for training practice. This thought made Kagura turn inwards though. Was Kagura using Natsu and if so, was Natsu using her as well?
'You know you can talk to me about anything Kagura.' Commented Natsu, sensing Kagura had more questions.
'Are you and I using each other as well then?' Asked Kagura.
'Would it upset you if I said yes?' Asked Natsu.
'A little bit. I don't like to think that we are not friends and are only business partners or something.' Said Kagura.
'Business partners? I thought you were first. I really don't think we are business partners, do you?' Laughed Natsu, causing Kagura to blush.
'That's not what I meant. What if it gets to the point where you can't use me for anything?' Asked Kagura, looking down after asking the question, reluctantly letting go of Natsu's hand, causing the two of them to stop walking.
'That won't happen, you might not need to use me anymore in the future, but I will still need you.' Admitted Natsu.
'Why? What do you mean?' Asked Kagura.
'Wrong question. You should ask me what you are using me for and what am I using you for if you want to understand what I mean.' Replied Natsu, shaking his head softly.
'What if I don't want to know the answer?' Asked Kagura.
'I'm sure you will be happy to know it.' Countered Natsu.
'More future knowledge?' Asked Kagura.
'No, just knowledge of you.' Replied Natsu cheekily.
'Fine, what am I using you for then?' Asked Kagura.
'You are using me to be safe, did you forget how we first met? You still haven't moved past that point yet, of thinking I will protect you. You aren't wrong, I will always protect you, but you are pretty good at looking after yourself now as well, just don't take what happened in Alvarez to heart, as they were pretty powerful exceptions.' Explained Natsu.
Kagura absorbed Natsu statement and thought it through. Yes, Natsu had a point. In Kagura's mind, no one was as strong as Natsu and especially with what had just happened a few days ago, Kagura had no reason to doubt this either. So, did that mean Kagura was just using Natsu as a shield? He had just admitted as much, stating that he would always be there to protect Kagura. The thought made Kagura unease. Natsu was too good for his own good if he would willing let others use him and it scared Kagura that she had been one of them even if she didn't realise it. A trickle of self-loathing started to worm its way into Kagura's mind. Was she just as bad as those others? No, was she even worse than them, as she pretended to be better than them. Arrogantly proclaiming herself as being first… perhaps she was the first, the first user of Natsu. Kagura felt the beginnings of tears pricking at the back of her eyes as she descended into a shame spiral. Her descent was stopped though, when she felt Natsu's warm hand on her shoulder.
'Before you start to beat yourself too much, why don't you ask what I am using you for first?' Suggested Natsu.
Kagura froze at this. Natsu had shaken her to her core without even meaning to, could she really bare to find out what Natsu was using her for? Kagura gazed up at Natsu, brown eyes meeting black. Kagura felt her worries start to evaporate, only for them to come back with force. She was using Natsu to feel safe, even just looking at him made her self-loathing vanish momentarily. Kagura fidgeted with her hands for a moment, before clenching her fists. The only way forward was to know the truth. The truth of what Natsu was using her for.
'What are you using me for?' Asked Kagura.
'I'm using you to be happy.' Admitted Natsu, giving Kagura a smile.
The self-loathing was gone. Natsu had banished any doubt in her mind and while she realised he could have been saying that just to make her feel safe again, Kagura knew it was genuine. Natsu was always genuine. Kagura was never a particularly bold person, but in this moment, she felt as confident as Natsu and reached for his face, cradling his face in both her hands. Kagura's thumbs briefly brushed against his cheeks before she leaned in and pressed her lips against Natsu's. Even though Natsu wasn't expecting such a bold move, he easily reciprocated the kiss. It was a simple one, chaste, but Natsu could feel the love Kagura was trying to put into it. Kagura herself felt nothing but acceptance in Natsu's kiss. Before this conversation she might have expected some resistance, maybe even rejection, but now, that feeling was gone and never coming back, Kagura would make sure of it. After a few seconds had passed, Kagura leaned away, breaking their lip lock. Natsu smiled, sensing Kagura was processing what she had just done, before she took his hand again.
'So where is this place you wanted to show me?' Asked Kagura.
'Just a little bit up ahead now.' Answered Natsu.
No more words needed to be said. Natsu thumb brushed against the back of Kagura's hand, with Kagura giving a squeeze back in return. It was clear what each other meant to the other person and there would never be any further doubts.
-line break-
As Natsu said, a few minutes later, the group reached a small lake. It was man-made however, with a small base and rocks dotting the edges of the water.
'Did you make this?' Asked Kagura.
'Yeah, sometime a few months ago I decided I needed a place to keep clean when I was exploring the forest. Unfortunately, all of the lakes here do have animals in them, so I couldn't just use them to get clean, so I dug myself a little spot out here. Nothing else in the forest comes here because I keep the water hot.' Explained Natsu.
Kagura looked at the body of water. It was only about three metres in diameter. It couldn't even be called a lake in her opinion, if anything, it was a very small pond. It was hard to guess without being in the water, but it looked to be only slightly more than a metre in depth.
'It looks quite small.' Commented Kagura.
'Well it was just for me, so I didn't want to use too much space. You could probably fit a couple more people in though, but I wouldn't think you could go swimming in it.' Clarified Natsu, as he took his vest and sandals off.
'Should I come back in a little while?' Asked Kagura.
'Do you want to go?' Asked Natsu, causing Kagura to blush.
'I'm just teasing, you can get in from the other side, I can make steam to hide us.' Offered Natsu, placing his hand on the water and causing the water to start emitting some steam.
Kagura nodded, before making her way to the other side of the small pond, the steam now thick enough that she couldn't see Natsu on the other side anymore. Kagura carefully disrobed, folding her outfit up neatly and stacking it up with her boots beside them, before dipping into the water. For a moment it was a bit too hot for Kagura, before the water seemed to cool a little, causing Kagura to sigh in bliss as she closed her eyes.
'Is that okay?' Asked Natsu, causing Kagura to open her eyes.
'Yes, it's perfect. Did you adjust the temperature?' Asked Kagura.
'Yeah, I think I probably enjoy a hotter temperature than most people, but I guess that comes with being a Fire Dragon Slayer.' Answered Natsu.
Kagura nodded, before realising Natsu couldn't see her through the steam.
'That makes sense.' Spoke Kagura, taking the chance to splash some water on her face and rub her eyes.
After lightly scrubbing herself down, Kagura made her way through the steam, moving towards Natsu. Natsu was resting his arms on one of the rocks, having placed Happy atop of one as he was still sleeping. As his back was facing Kagura, she wasn't sure if he was aware that she had moved towards him, but rationalised that if he could tell she found the water hot, he would have noticed her coming closer as well.
'Is there something you need or are you all done?' Asked Natsu without turning around.
'I understand your feelings, but I was curious, especially after today, how do I compare to your other "future close friends" in terms of… um, in terms of looks?' Asked Kagura.
'You've seen them yourself except for one, so what do you think?' Asked Natsu.
'Some of them are more mature than me.' Spoke Kagura plainly.
'Yes, but that is expected, you are the youngest out of all of them.' Admitted Natsu.
Kagura didn't know what to say to that, wanting to put her body insecurities to rest, knowing she had no insecurities with her relationship standing with Natsu.
'Kagura, do you need me to tell you that you are beautiful?' Asked Natsu.
'It wouldn't hurt.' Replied Kagura, a hint of mirth in her tone, causing Natsu to laugh.
'You are incredibly beautiful Kagura, even though I think your fashion sense is a bit overly dressy.' Admitted Natsu, causing Kagura to smile in amusement.
'You do say that a lot. Does that mean you would rather I look like this all the time?' Asked Kagura.
'Not all the time, no. I don't want anyone else to see you like this.' Answered Natsu.
Kagura smiled and moved through the water until she reached Natsu and rested against his back, her arm draping over his shoulder to reach his forearm which she gently caressed.
'Does that mean that you want to be the only one to see me like this?' Asked Kagura.
'I think you know that already.' Whispered Natsu.
Kagura smiled at this and rested her head on Natsu's back. Natsu for his part enjoyed the comfort he was both giving and receiving, but reluctantly backed up slightly once he felt Happy start to stir.
'Happy is waking up.' Said Natsu, thinking Kagura would back up and separate herself from the embrace, not wanting to deal with Happy's teasing.
'That's okay.' Replied Kagura, causing Natsu to exhale in amusement.
'Are you sure?' Asked Natsu.
'Positive.' Affirmed Kagura, her eyes still closed as she hugged Natsu.
'Ne, Natsu, where are the fishes?' Asked Happy, rubbing his eyes.
'They are in a different pond.' Explained Natsu.
'Ne, Natsu, why is Kagura hugging you? Kagura is hugging you… she likes you.' Mumbled Happy, switching into teasing mode once he was conscious enough.
'I do.' Sighed Kagura contentedly, stunning Happy.
'Ne, Natsu, does this mean I need to find someone else to tease?' Asked Happy.
'I think so buddy.' Replied Natsu.
'Okay then. Congratulations Kagura!' Cheered Happy.
'Thanks Happy. So, were you just teasing me until I accepted my feelings?' Asked Kagura, now opening her eyes.
'Yep! I'm like cupid.' Declared Happy.
'Does that mean we should start teaching you how to use a bow and arrow?' Asked Natsu.
'Aye sir!' Agreed Happy.
'Okay, we can make one along the way.' Suggested Natsu.
'Ne, Natsu, are there any fish in here?' Asked Happy.
'No.' Replied Natsu.
'Are you sure?' Asked Happy, his eyes slightly narrowed.
'Yes.' Replied Natsu.
'I don't believe you; I'm going in!' Announced Happy, jumping into the pool, only to jump out a moment later.
'Coming out!' Squeaked Happy, now dyed a light red.
'It's not that hot.' Commented Kagura.
'Actually, it is a bit hotter since you got in now, you just can't feel it because you're so close to me.' Explained Natsu.
'Why is the water hotter?' Asked Kagura, leaning away from Natsu, only for Natsu to loudly clear his throat.
'No reason, just an accident.' Said Natsu.
Kagura looked at Natsu in confusion, before laughing to herself as she leaned against him.
'Okay, I'll go back now.' Laughed Kagura, letting go of Natsu and making her way back to the other side of the pond.
'Come on Happy, let's get you cleaned up so we can go fishing.' Suggested Natsu, letting the water cool down.
'It's not too hot anymore?' Asked Happy, only for Natsu to splash him.
'You tell me?' Asked Natsu.
'Natsu! You got my fish backpack wet.' Whined Happy.
'Don't worry, I can dry it off for you, now come have your bath already.' Insisted Natsu, grabbing the blue furry creature and dunking him into the water.
'AHHhhh.' Cried Happy momentarily, before exhaling in relief.
'Good right?' Asked Natsu.
'I feel like a nice warm little fish.' Mumbled Happy, lazily doing some backstrokes as he moved through the water.
'Don't fall asleep there or you'll become a steamed little fish.' Warned Natsu.
'No… raw fish… is best.' Sighed Happy pleasantly.