【Re:Freezing】 | Gray Fullbuster x OC

45. Improvised Storm

Almost a week had gone by since Karissa showed up at the guild. No one aside her own family knew most about her whereabouts. Today, she decided to go there and check the jobs. She was wearing her black zipper hoodie with the hood that slip into red and blue. It made her easier to recognize amongst other civilians. But she was still a little surprised when she heard Lucy call her name with a smile. She stopped just as she was about to go up the stairs leading to their guild. Lucy seemed in good spirits despite hearing about her father's passing. Honestly, realizing that Lucy was given a harsh reminder of the years that went by made Karissa see time in a new light.

Only when Lucy came to her side did she continue going up the stairs. "It's been a while since I've seen you around." Lucy remarked. "What have you been up to lately?"

"Meh. Training, going on jobs. Mage stuff."

Lucy gave her a skeptical look. "You're starting to sound like Mystogan."

Karissa smiled in amusement. "I guess. Have you been doing alright?"

An appreciative smile appeared on the Celestial mage's face. "...I'm doing okay."

Flinching, Karissa waved her hands in front of her, panicked, the shaking of her head insisting that Lucy was wrong. "N-No, I meant rent and money!" The last thing she wanted to do was dampen Lucy's mood first thing in the morning.

"Oh, pfft." Lucy giggled a little, realizing her mistake. "Yeah, I'm okay. My dad actually sent me rent money while I was gone, so I still have my cute place on Strawberry street! I'm not in a total bind!" she beamed with a fist pump. Karissa remembered how troubled she looked before she went on that cruise with Gray. It seemed like she no plans at all about moving to a cheaper place.

"Yes, the cute place that sucks you dry every month."

Lucy pouted, poking the older mage on her side. "It's worth it, okay?"

When they made it halfway, they spotted Gray climbing up the rest of the way. Karissa's gaze went from Gray to Lucy to see her wave at their teammate. After hearing her, Gray waved briefly and waited for them. When he saw Karissa, he smirked and put his hands on his hips and as he bent forward to stare her down. "Well, look who it is. I guess someone decided to come out of hibernation."

"Nah," Karissa casually waved her hand dismissively. "I might be going back into it."

Straightening up, Gray put his hands in his pockets. "Oh, pity. We're all starting to miss you. I think I might cry a few tears if you keep disappearing for too long."

"Oh, please." Karissa rolled her eyes, causing Lucy to giggle at their exchange. When the two made it up to Gray's level, Karissa let out a yawn. Her childhood friend raised a brow at her show of fatigue.

"Slept late?"

"I was training with Van last night and it seriously tired me out... even though I asked for it."

"Yeah, I heard you were training." Gray recalled. "What's the occasion?"

Karissa pretended to have a thoughtful look on her face, eyes looking upwards and a pursed mouth. "Hmm, maybe so I can undoubtedly wreck you during the next S-Class Exam?"

Gray's mouth twitched. "Oh yeah?" Karissa dodged his hand when tried to reach her. "Look at that, my reflexes are even sharper now. You won't be able to land a hit on me."

"Alright, cocky introvert." Gray smirked, putting his hand back in his pocket.

"Confident." Karissa corrected him.

While the two childhood friends exchanged words, Lucy saw someone coming up the stairs in her peripheral vision. It was Juvia coming up. Apparently, Lucy was blocking Juvia's view from Gray so when she moved the blue mage's face lit up. Lucy could barely comprehend the speed at which her guildmate flew up the stairs to greet him. It was so fast that Lucy didn't have time to move away, causing Juvia to bump into her. Lucy screamed when she missed her step and tilted towards the steps. Hearing her distress, Gray and Karissa quickly reached for her before she plummeted to her demise. Gray had a firm latch on her arm while Karissa was gripping her shirt. The blonde had tears streaming down her face. "That scared meee!"