With Great Power Comes Great Responsibilty

Chapter 20

All night, Natsu and Gray searched for Jellal, but the man had completely vanished. By morning, both were exhausted and went home to rest. After a few hours of sleep, they woke to find Aunt Ur glaring at them, clearly upset.

"Where were you two?" she demanded.

"We were working on a project for Professor Clive's class," Natsu lied quickly. "It was really tough and took longer than we expected. We lost track of time."

"We're sorry for staying out so late, Aunt Ur," Gray added sincerely.

Ur sighed, shaking her head. "It's not that I'm mad you stayed out—I'm mad you didn't tell me. If you need to stay out all night for something important, like a project, that's fine. But have the decency to call and let me know you'll be late."

"We will. It won't happen again," Natsu promised.

"It better not. But I'm still mad at you, Gray."

"Why?" Gray asked, confused.

"You were supposed to meet Juvia for a study session last night, and you didn't show."

"Oh no! I completely forgot. Is she upset?"

"No. She called last night and said she understood you're a busy guy with a lot on your plate."

"That's a relief."

"Yeah, she's much more forgiving than I would've been in her shoes."

"I'm really sorry, Aunt Ur. I'll make it up to her."

"Funny you mention that—I know exactly how you can."

"Uh-oh."

"Juvia's going to model a new dress at a 'Save the Animals' charity benefit tonight. The poor girl's a nervous wreck and could really use a friend to support her. I think it'd be lovely if you'd be her date."

"All right, I'll be there—wait, it's tonight?"

"Yes."

"I can't go tonight, Aunt Ur."

"Why not?"

"Because... I don't have a tux."

"That's all taken care of, dear. I already rented one for you."

"Oh... good. Aunt Ur, can't I make it up to her some other way? Big parties like that make me nervous. I won't know anyone there except Juvia."

"If you're that nervous, bring Natsu with you. I got a good deal on the tuxes—they let me rent an extra for free."

"Oh, gee, that's sweet of you, Miss Milkovich, but I don't think I can go," Natsu said. "I have a ton of work to do."

"Very well. I guess you'll miss out on seeing the other models."

"Other models?"

"Yes. Juvia isn't the only one showing off a new dress."

"On second thought, I might be able to make an appearance."

"The party starts at seven. And Gray, you better not stand her up."

"I won't," Gray promised.

At five o'clock, Aunt Ur helped Natsu and Gray get into their tuxes, fussing over every detail. By six, she sent them off in a taxi, waving them goodbye with a hopeful smile.

"I don't know if this was such a good idea," Gray muttered to Natsu during the ride. "We still have to find that crazy ex-boyfriend of Erza's."

"Yeah, but maybe we could use a break," Natsu replied, grinning. "It might be nice to just go out, meet new people, and—"