[A/N] I'm back form the coma Erza put me in after the last chapter... Helluva swing lady. I know it's short but I think it'll do the job. I am so sorry it took so long but I just got stuck ya know? At any rate here it is and please leave comments and Constructive criticism, I truly appreciate both.

Chapter 8: My Goofball

She knelt there weeping; clutching all that remained of her friend that she failed to save to her chest as the fire died enveloping her in darkness.

But then it changed. She suddenly felt warmth surround her like a blanket had been draped over her body. With it was an overwhelming feeling of calm, peace and... something else... something she hadn't felt in a long time. After a time she worked up the courge to open her eyes fearing what she would see... or rather who was no longer there. Yet that same sensation of wamth washed those thoughts away and her eyes opened, she was quite baffled. There nestled in her arms, gold visor reflecting her tear-streaked face was the , undamaged helmet 'What? How did...? Was it even real? No... A nightmare... That's all it was... Caboose wasn't... CABOOSE!".

She shot straight up but in doing so collided with another very solid object. Erza being naturally hard headed recovered immediately. Rubbing her now aching forehead she stood to see exactly who she was looking for.

"And that is why I wear a helmet..." A silly grin was plastered across his face as he rubbed his forehead as well. In his other hand was a Cookie wrapped in a paper bag but this went completely unnoticed by Erza. Their eyes locked to eachother for just a moment before she, almost hesitantly, strode forward. The thought of being beaten into the ground crossed Caboose's mind when Erza just dropped his helmet mid-stride but that was drown out instantly when she slowly reached up to his face cupping his cheek. Her thumb gently gliding over the scar on his chin.

Overcome with so many emotions that crashed down on her in that second she sprang forward. Caboose, caught completely off guard, lost his balance and toppled backward. As soon as they hit the ground her lips crashed into his slightly fumbling in the process. For just a moment there was no reaction from Caboose but slowly, almost at a snails pace two large arms snaked their way arround her body as his lips pressed back.

It was in this moment everything else fell away. Every dark, sad, or painful memory ;even the horrifying nightmare she had just awoken from, washed away until nothing remained but the warmth, affection and simple love that now radiated between them. This was the moment that made every horrific moment of her past, seem worth it. Who knew all it took to unlock her deeper emotions was super-strong goofball from another world to come into her life.

As they, quite reluctantly, seperated neither spoke a word. Only gentle smiles graced their faces as relieved brown eyes stared into gentle blue ones. Nothing needed to be said; Caboose's reaction spoke volumes to Erza. There was no need for reassurance or any talk at all really; by Erza or Caboose at least.

" Well don't you two look comforbable..." This new voice brought them back to reality where they realised they weren't alone in camp. Sitting there across the now smoldering dead firepit was Natsu Lucy and Gray. Natsu, the one who had spoken, was now giving off the biggest, cheekyest smirk in his entire life. On any other day, Natsu's teasing would end via a hefty beating from the great Titania... but not today. Instead she simply laid her head down on Caboose's shoulder, wrapped her arms arround the back of his neck to pull herself closer, then after a quick peck to his cheek she softly spoke up.

"I'm very comfortableNatsu... so comfy in fact that I've decided to do this instead of smashing that firelog over your head. Now please just let me enjoy this." Her voice seemed to take on an almost begging tone at the end. Natsu's smirk fell for a moment before a geuine smile took it's place.

"Hehe... sure thing Erza. We'll pack up camp ,you guys... enjoy yourselves." With that the three set to work, all the while avoiding the new couple until they set off once more. Two more days of travel went by without a hitch. The new couple were inseperable; either they held hands on the walk or were cuddled up next to the fire. Nearing the end of the third day they entered the deepest and darkest part of the forest. Erza had ordered Gray to scout ahead; much to Natsu's disagreement. Not five minutes after he headed off they heard him yell out.

"Hey Caboose... you might want to see this!" When they arrived they found themselves in the decayed courtyard of an old temple of sorts. Caboose seemed to freeze up for a moment before speaking.

"It's you..."

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"Madre de Deus..."