Good Intentions

The Return of Magic

Disclaimer: All Fairy Tail Characters Belong to Hiro Mashima

Chapter 11: The Return of Magic

Natsu opened his eyes and looked at his ceiling. Sunlight had begun to filter through his window and he was feeling warm and cozy. He stretched and decided to get up and face the day. His eyes rested on the figure laying next to him on his hammock and he smiled fondly. He reached over and lovingly patted the figure on the head and when that didn't work started to rub its cute belly.

Happy opened his eyes slowly and blinked at him. "Is it time to get up already, Natsu?"

"It is for me. Gray and I are hiking up Mt. Hakobe today as part of our training. We want to get there early. You are welcome to come with us if you'd like.", Natsu offered. "Did you get home late last night?"

"Yeah. I think I'll go back to sleep if that's ok.", Happy said sleepily.

"That's fine. I'll be back later. Sleep well." , Natsu cuddled his buddy for a few minutes to help him settle back to sleep. He performed all his morning rituals and then exited his house quietly. He had agreed to meet Gray in front of the guild so that they could set off together.

He walked the distance to the guild in silence. He thought back to the previous night and the reactions they had received from some of their friends. He was still hurt by Erza and Lucy's rejection and he wondered if they would see them today. He still had to tell Erza he was quitting the team, although judging from her response she would not be too upset by his departure.

He was a little curious about Wendy and Gajeel's reactions. He could see Wendy being sad that he was not dating a girl but he was sure she would get over it eventually. Wendy was too kind to stay upset with him for long, especially if she knew he was happy. He had no clue what was going on with Gajeel, why would he have been glaring at Gray? Something Juvia related perhaps. Maybe he would make a point of talking to them about it later today. Come to think of it Happy had not looked particularly thrilled either. What was up with everyone? Why couldn't they just be happy for them?

His mind wandered to walking Gray home the previous night. It had felt nice to just walk in the cool night air, holding hands. They had told each other about their missions. Natsu had to agree with Gray that it sounded like he had been a jerk to the girls and probably owed them an apology. Gray congratulated Natsu on not destroying the town this time. They shared some of the worries that had plagued them while they were apart and felt silly for having them. All too soon they arrived at Gray's apartment. They spent way too long saying goodnight, making up for the days they were apart. Natsu's cheeks reddened as he remembered their good night antics and then he smiled. He could definitely get used to that.

A voice interrupted his thoughts, "Thinking about something good, Dragon Boy?"

Gray was leaning against the door of the still closed guild, one leg propped up against the door with his hands in his pockets.

Natsu looked at him and his face got even redder, "Nah, just thinking about a Pervy Popsicle I know."