It's a little early, cuz I won't have time to post it at a later date…so here's a little present for the upcoming Valentine's Day…


Disclaimer: Fairy Tail is owned by the Legendary Hiro Mashima.

Valentine's Day is written and composed by the awesome band known as Linkin Park.


One last stick to light and burn

One last hope to concede

One last love to cherish, to earn

One last chance, before my heart would break and bleed…

Valentine's and (Chocolates) Cigarettes


February 14th...

It was that day.

In the bustling town of Magnolia, the citizens had gathered. The whimsical laughter of the townsfolk ringed in the melodic air, as the sounds and beats of instruments reverberated everywhere. The streets were packed with people going in groups or pairs; married adults going hand-in-hand with their children, and youthful teenagers spending their time with the ones they loved. As the trees swayed to the cold, morning air and the flowers bloomed until their petals had been fully opened—the sun appeared high above in its glory; showering the town and its people with an abundance of light and joy…

And in that town, coursed a small river…a river bending and turning at the oddest of places; its waters as clear and calm as the blue sky it reflected. It passed by the town unnoticed; its waters running towards the outskirts—Magnolia forest.

And near it, lying on a grassy slope beside the riverbed, where a tall tree stood to provide some shade, was a solitary man.

My insides all turned to ash, so slow

And blew away as I collapsed, so cold

A black wind took them away, from sight

And held the darkness over day, that night…

Where have they gone to?

Why did they leave him behind?

These words echoed in his mind, as he lay down on his back. The flowing river near him poured its waters at a fast and rhythmic pace, and the tall tree which grew above stood eerily still; its shadow bathing him with an ample amount of shade.

…But confusion riddled his mind, and sorrow etched itself inside his beating heart.

"Spend this day with the one you love…" They had told him. Everybody had whispered time and time again…

But they had lied to him—and if they didn't, why was he all alone, with only the tree to stand beside him, and the river to keep him company?

…He wanted to spend the day with everyone, because… he loved them all.

His eyes were closed, and his serene face was shadowed by the cover of the huge plant above him. He had been dressed differently today; a simple, black shirt with no significant details on it covered his lean, but muscular form, and a pair of grey jeans fitted tightly on his legs. His long, scaly scarf had been used as a makeshift pillow, and as he crossed his arms behind his head, the visible scar on his neck became more pronounced and noticeable. The gentle breeze blew the strands of pink hair which cascaded on his face, showing the weak smile which graced his lips.

But when the tree leaves swayed once more, the sunlight pierced his unguarded being. His eyes twitched in annoyance at the sudden brightness, and as the wind blew harshly, and sent his pink locks to the side—the man slowly brought his body up, and opened his tired eyes.

Natsu Dragneel stared at the flowing river.

…And for the first time in his life, he felt that he was truly alone.

The waters were clear, but he wasn't at peace. The sky was calm, but his heart was far from tranquil. His enigmatic smile betrayed the anguish hidden beneath. His loose expression concealed the sorrow veiled inside…

He blew a long sigh, before his hands wandered to his pockets. He pulled out the contents they held, and one by one, placed them in front of him…

A few jewels which were enough for one meal…

A discount coupon for a nearby restaurant…

—And a small, unopened box of cigarettes, which he had received from yesterday's job. He turned it over once, reading the large words on its front—

"…Lucky Tredecim Menthol…"

...

"—The gears of fate will always turn after misfortune has been experienced. Only by the sadness which it causes will you desire to find something that you have been looking for…13 sticks to bring you sorrow, and as they burn out…until only one remains, you will understand."

…he remembered the client's words after the job had been completed.

…But what did it all mean?

He lay down once again, and rested his head against the soft scarf which served as his pillow. Above him, the green canopy which was made up of the branches and leaves of the tree swayed to the gentle force of the whimsical breeze. The morning sky shifted ever so slowly… and his mouth traced a frown as he recalled the reason why he was here in the first place.

It was Valentine's Day, and he was all alone.

And the clouds above move closer

Looking so dissatisfied

But the heartless wind kept blowing, blowing

Alone.

For years, Natsu really didn't care about Valentine's and other stuff. He had been too busy with his own affairs to even notice the importance it held. Ever since he joined Fairy Tail, he never had an inkling as to what the day had in store, and so—he never bothered thinking about it before.

But now, it was different…

No one was here with him, because each and every one of them had plans… Each and every one of them kept each other's company.

He clenched the pack of ominous cigarettes tightly, staring at it intently…before he found the will to move.

He remembered where he had to go from now on…

He finally found the thing he needed to do.

And as he gathered his belongings and secured the scarf snugly on his neck, he trudged on the familiar path towards the heart of Magnolia.

Though his loneliness was still intact, he smiled weakly at the spectacle he was expecting.

I used to be my own protection, but not now

Cause my path had lost direction, somehow

A black wind took you away, from sight

And held the darkness over day, that night

He walked alone, towards the guild he called home. As he passed by the busy streets of Magnolia; with its brightly decorated stores and shops, his frown gradually grew… The people he passed by—they looked so damn happy, that he was starting to get envious. Everyone was in groups and pairs…everyone except him. Even the decorations seemed to mock him; with their paired, heart shaped designs and other lovey-dovey things he had never understood. The color red was painted everywhere, but he had never known its significance…

And he had never cared… not until now.

…The familiar faces of people appeared, but no one stopped by to even acknowledge him. He looked at the thing he was carrying—

But this couldn't be it. A pack of cigarettes… people wouldn't avoid him if he carried this, would they?

"Let's go to the liquor shop!"

"Bacchus-san! We need to hurry, or else we won't make it…"

"Why not?! Drinking booze is the fastest way to make the spirit WILD!"

Natsu looked to his side, where he found Bacchus and the other members of Quatro Cerberus going towards a renowned bar.

"KYAAAAAAAAH~" The sound of swooning girls met his hearing, and his eyes wandered the large crowd, finding three men surrounded by a flock of women.

"My, you are one cute girl. Wanna go on a Valentine's date with me?"

"Will you give me the pleasure of calling you…nee-san?"

"…I'm not here hanging out with you because you're beautiful or anything…"

Each of the Trimen of Blue Pegasus were carrying different women on their arms, and he could've sworn that the entire male populace near them were glaring with spite.

"MEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEN!"

…And that's when a big, ugly thing landed from the air. The crowd parted to let him through, and Natsu could see the fat thing's head embedded deeply in the ground.

But he was sure, it was Ichiya… However, he paid it no heed; he simply walked on without giving them a second glance, for they too seemed to not have noticed him.

"Juvia! Go out with me—"

"She's not interested, dammit!"

"Aah~ Juvia can't decide—No, Gray-sama is the only one for Juvia!"

"I'm better than this stripping pervert!"

"Who's the stripping pervert, you naked swine?!"

"Naked swine?! That's it! I'm killing you!"

"No—Don't fight over Juvia!"

…He didn't even need to look, because he knew what the entire commotion was about. He knew that Gray and Lyon Vastia of Lamia Scale were arguing over an indecisive Juvia… and both of them were probably naked too… But despite the amusing situation, he's eyes were empty, and his face was devoid of any emotion.

He didn't even find it funny when he saw Rogue Cheney of Sabertooth; who was carrying a life-sized doll of Gajeel, incapacitated beside Sting Eucliffe… because the two of them were riding a carousel together, nor did he laugh when Orga, and Jura of the Ten Wizard Saints were dishing out songs via Karaoke.

…Yes, Magnolia was packed with mages from all over Fiore, but he couldn't blame anyone. The Rainbow Sakura's which grew only in Magnolia had bloomed early, and today, the viewing festival was being held…which was why the entire town was packed more so than usual.

…But he didn't care…His eyes were on the ground, as his feet continued to move for him. He didn't even notice that he had bumped into someone.

"…Hey." Natsu simply walked on, as the woman's sword cluttered on the ground.

"Kagura, are you all right?" Someone asked her, but her face remained impassive at the sudden collision.

"…I'm fine." The girl looked one last time, but the only thing she saw was a patch of pink hair, before the culprit completely disappeared.

"…Let's proceed, else there won't be a spot left." She retrieved her fallen sword, and continued as if nothing had happened.

…And the faces of his nakama appeared in his sights.

Lucy was being dragged by Loke towards a small café. Erza was looking at a weapon's shop together with three cloaked figures, which he took as the Crime Sorciere members. Wendy was eating cotton candy with Romeo, and Cheria of Lamia Scale. Happy was flying together with Charle and Pantherlily. Gajeel had his arm dragged by Levy, as the two entered a suspicious bookstore, and both of them had been trailed by a very discernible and crudely dressed Jet and Droy. He could see Elfman and Evergreen evading the eyes of the townsfolk, until the former was found out by his sister Lisanna; after which he was dragged to somewhere. Freed and Bixlow were talking enthusiastically with a bored Laxus, and Cana was carrying a bottle of booze on one hand, and the hand of Gildartz—who had dropped by to visit for Valentine's, on the other.

A few of them stopped by to regard him, and afterwards left immediately, completely forgetting him in place of the happiness they were into.

He simply smiled…

But the finely crafted smile which was plastered on his face, was concealing the sadness he had hidden inside…

...The sadness, which was tearing him apart.

Nobody…did nobody care about what he was feeling? Did they not know that he had been hurting inside? When he looked to see them having fun without him…he felt that something inside him had been taken out…

Natsu was left on his own…

He had always been there when they needed him, always there to help them…to save them.

…But why? Why was he alone…?

"If that's what you want…fine." He whispered sadly, but no one heard him.

And finally…finally, he reached the guild.

…But its doors were closed, like he had presumed, and when he pushed them open…nobody was inside. The guild was empty, and its entire hall was bereft of the laughter and joy it had housed each and every day…He turned around to leave, and that was when he noticed it—a small note posted on the door; something he must've missed due to his hurry.

It read:

You think I'm too old to date women? Hah!

Seriously though, I'm at Porlyusca's house if anyone needs me… Not that you would, eh? You young ones have your own matters to attend to… The request board has been temporarily taken down, and the missions will be postponed until tomorrow. Enjoy your date, my brats!

Greetings from your awesome Guild Master,

Makarov Dreyar.

And once more, the empty feeling inside grew stronger.

"Even gramps… man… this is so…"

His eyes fixed themselves on the cold, hard ground, and he walked outside without looking to the front; his shoulders slumped forward as his feet led him towards somewhere he knew not…

He couldn't even go on a quest… to distract him from everything which was happening.

"Why am I so damn unlucky…?"

And as he walked, he bumped into someone yet again—

"Kyaaaaah!"

…But luckily, he caught her before she hit the ground.

For what seemed like minutes, Natsu simply stared at the magnificent, blue orbs of the girl he was holding in his arms. The short ponytail which kept her bangs from obscuring the beautiful face she had was undone, as the pretty barmaid's silver hair cascaded over her entire face. She was dressed in a simple, purple dress which ended on her knees, and her bare arms were draped all over her curvaceous body.

A tinge of pink as bright as his hair dusted the silver-haired maiden's cheeks, as her lithe form remained on the Dragonslayer's strong arms, unmoving and undisturbed.

"…Mira." Natsu murmured for her to hear, as a sad smile appeared on his lips.

"…Hey, Natsu." She replied with a smile of her own, but her lip quivered as her intuition caught the emptiness in his black eyes.

…It was hollow; devoid of happiness. The blazing fire it contained had been snuffed out, like the emotion he was hiding inside.

Where did the warmth inside them wander off to?

What happened to him…?

She asked these questions to herself, as Natsu helped her stand up, and Mirajane Strauss dusted her dress in order to get rid of the dirt which she presumed had gotten on her. The Dragonslayer stared at her nonchalantly, and she crossed her arms below her large chest, pouting unexpectedly.

"You should watch where you're going—" She began, but the pink-haired mage apologized before she even finished.

"I'm sorry… I wasn't paying attention." Her questioning eyes scrutinized the young man's smiling face, but her womanly instincts told her that something was wrong…

His smile was rather small, and the sagging of his body showed that something was bugging him. The way he responded was nothing like the usual Natsu would say, and the emptiness in his eyes…

She knew… and she frowned as she realized what he was feeling.

"Where have you been?"

"I was training in the forest… you know, to kill time…"

…He was lying of course, but the true master of deception saw through it all.

Yet she understood… she understood everything.

His smile was giving it away. His lifeless expression was showing every single feeling he was trying to hide…

And his warmth…the warmth that he had been generating to make them feel comfortable, to make them feel safe…

It was gone, and it had been replaced with a disheartening chill.

"I…I should be going. Later, then—" He started walking, but as he passed by…a gentle hand which grabbed his own stopped him in his tracks.

"Where are you going?" She asked persistently.

"…I thought you were with Lisanna and Elfman—"

"Don't try to dodge it, Natsu. Where are you going? The festival is about to start." She asked again, this time with more force.

"I…Someone's waiting for me…"

"Really? Who…?"

He didn't answer, but she didn't need an answer. She knew that Natsu had realized that she was onto him, and so… he merely stood still, waiting for the S-class mage to reprimand him about his lies….

But instead, she forced him to look straight into those mesmerizing, blue eyes. Her free hand reached for his face, and directed it towards hers…Towards the kind eyes which could see everything…

And the guilt of lying broke him. He closed his mouth, for it had run dry… he closed his eyes, because he was nearly tearing up… The kind barmaid nodded in understanding, as his gesture reached her.

"Wanna go with me? I found a neat spot near the bridge…"

She smiled, but—

"I…I need to go somewhere."

…Why?

Why did he refuse?

What was wrong with him?

"…Ahh, I see. Are you going with someone?" She asked, though she knew what she knew that he was avoiding her… Avoiding everyone, but why?

…Her teasing remark merely passed him by, and he forced himself to let go of the warm hand which was holding him… He forced himself to turn back, and resumed his walk once more.

Finally, his destination had been set… but—

"I hope you find someone then!" the bubbly barmaid voiced out lightly, but his spirit was far from being lifted up.

"…If someone really does come… But at least, I won't be alone anymore." He replied bitterly…

As he started gaining some distance, the shocked female realized the empty words he had left. She ran towards him—

And once more, she stopped him. A pair of delicate arms wrapped themselves on his body, and as she rested her head on his broad back, he could feel wet tears falling on him.

"Natsu… If it means something, I'm sorry… I really am… It's just—everyone had plans, and you were out yesterday, so—" She spoke through sobs.

"Please, don't… It's not your fault, or anybody's… I brought this on myself, I chose this path alone… so please, don't cry, Mira…"

"Why would you say that?! You are never alone, Natsu... We're always here with you—"

But he gently pulled off the hands which were binding him, leaving the crying barmaid from where he had once stood.

"…yeah. Just not today."

…his form started to get farther, and it was then that she noticed it—a pack of unopened cigarettes clenched tightly in his hand.

As he walked, a strong wind made his scarf flutter, but he trudged on. The skies suddenly started to grow darker, covering the radiance of the bright sun…and foreshadowing the storm that was about to come.

And the clouds above move closer

Looking so dissatisfied

And the ground below grew colder

As they put you down inside

But the heartless wind kept blowing, blowing

They fell one by one, from the mocking skies which reflected his feelings.

…It had started raining, but he never stopped walking. As the crowds dispersed to get away from the drizzle, he simply trudged on…towards Magnolia's gate. The streets, which had been filled this morning, had suddenly become barren. The wet road was quickly emptied out, as the merry-making died down.

Yet, he didn't care, even when he heard people shouting his name… Despite the severe weather which assaulted him, he didn't budge.

…He reached the gate which was situated uphill, but like the streets… no one was there. On a nearby bench, he could see the tall, iridescent trees, so he stood there, staring at its magnificence; even though inside, he wanted nothing more than this day to end.

He waited, and waited…until he had enough.

He looked at the gloomy clouds above, his patience having been stretch to its limit. He simply looked up, lamenting at his stupidity. The rain pelted his face, but his eyes were wound shut…

Why was he so flustered over everything? Why was he overreacting on one lonely day? Why wasn't he simply spending his time with his friends…and why did he turn them down in the first place?

Why was he crying over being alone…?

He could only reach out to the vast sky, as his sorrow ate away at his will…

"…Why am I like this…?"

He sat down and leaned on the support behind him, his eyes still focused above. The rain wasn't getting any weaker…but right now, he simply stopped caring…

…The rain was cold...he actually felt it; every exhalation brought misty vapor out of his mouth, and every raindrop which fell on his exposed flesh was demoralizing him.

…But he was holding onto something warm; something filled with heat, and hope.

It was the pack of cigarettes, and he brought the box to his face; his eyes landing on the warning below it.

"…Misfortune to the holder, addiction to the user, and happiness to the one who empties it out… light for the one who needs it, warmth for the one who has lost it… and hope for the one who has given up…"

"…Weird…" He chuckled sadly, as he tore apart its top, exposing thirteen sticks of unstained white.

"How unlucky…" He voiced out, noticing that the box had space for one more—apparently, it was missing one stick… but he ignored the oddity, and brought out one for him to try…

"Can't hurt to try one…" He pushed the butt towards his lips, as he hid the rest from the drops of rain. The tiny raindrops assailed the small stick, and immediately drenched it…

He snapped his fingers, and a solitary flame flickered on his hand. The rain snuffed it out as soon as it appeared, so he made a bigger one—a flame that was hot enough to melt the very waters which touched it… and when he did so, the soggy cigarette became dry all of a sudden, and he lit its tip with the blaze he had summoned.

What did he have to lose anyway?

So now you're gone, and I was wrong

I never knew what it was like, to be alone

On a Valentine's Day, on a Valentine's Day

On a Valentine's Day, on a Valentine's Day

He pulled out the stick on his lips, as he blew away the smoke that had gathered on his mouth. For him, it felt so natural; the intangible substance entering his systems, where it lingered inside… and the entire process of respiration with it—his body made sure to coax out the substance inside, and he had no problem letting out the supposedly toxic vapor he was inhaling. As he bit into the end once more, taking in the burnt essence of the fine tobacco the paper had contained… he felt his depression being lifted with every fume he exhaled.

"…It's so…fucking bitter." He remarked, but he couldn't stop from the newly formed habit. The first cigarette he had ever smoked; it was nearing its end, and the burnt tip was nearly reaching the end part he was biting onto.

He pulled it out, and exhaled once more, where the smoke rose towards the still raining skies. He smudged the tip on the wet bench, hearing a light sizzle…before he tossed the cigarette butt away.

On a Valentine's Day, on a Valentine's Day

(I used to be my own protection, but not now)

On a Valentine's Day, on a Valentine's Day

(Cause my mind has lost direction, somehow)

Wakaba was right…smoking really did help relieve his stress, and he found himself calmer after he had lit off his second stick. The worry from before was starting to dissipate unlike the rain, and the hollow feeling within was seemingly shrinking as time passed by. His loneliness, though still intact…was slowly being washed away with every exhalation he did. And as the smoke vanished into the air it had gone into, he could feel the emptiness from before disappearing with it, bit by bit, little by little.

It hadn't even been that long, but he finished his second as soon as he lit it. His hands fumbled towards the box, as he pulled out another stick; his body was starting to crave for it…and he shook his head as a thought entered his riddled mind.

"…When they find out, I wonder how they'd react?"

He pictured everybody's face…in order to ease his weary heart.

"Hahaha! See, I told you smoking's fun!"

"Once you start, you'll find it hard to stop…"

He could almost see Wakaba stating this proudly, and Macao agreeing…

"Naaaaatsu! Is it tasty?"

"Natsu! You're being a bad influence to those who look up to you!"

"Natsu-nii…teach me how to smoke!"

…Happy would definitely love to try this, and Erza would reprimand him like she always does, while Romeo would try to imitate him…

"Eew, you reek of cigarettes…"

"Natsu…you totally look like a bad guy with that…"

Lucy and Lisanna would most likely tease him about this…

"You shouldn't smoke in front of a lady."

"Hahaha, another Fairy has fallen! Come and join me, Natsu—I'll teach you the marvels of liquor too!"

Mira would try to stop him, while Cana would encourage him to continue, and add drinking to the list while he's at it.

"You fucking punk! I can smoke better than you!"

Of course, Gray would try to become a better smoker, seeing as their rivals.

"Government Warning—"

"—Cigarette smoking is dangerous to your health."

And someone else would joke—probably Gajeel or Laxus, and he'd pick a fight with them for messing with him…

He could only chuckle at those thoughts, and the memories which came with it. Now that he was able to think clearly, he remembered…that he really was never alone.

Their faces; he could see them inside his mind, and their voices; he could hear them in his heart… Though far away, he could feel their emotions running through him… His family, his nakama—they were everything to him, and the magic which bound all of them was something which would never be broken…

As long as they were happy, he could care less about him being sad…

The cigarettes worked their magic, as he smoked his fifth. The rain was as strong as ever, but still… he was seated on the same bench he had been on… His clothes were drenched, but he dried them off with his magic. He turned the heat up, until the rain couldn't touch him anymore.

His spiky locks had been undone, and his pink hair was falling all over his face, but he wasn't the least bit bothered by it… He'd put it back to how it was later.

"When I return… I'll definitely pick a fight with someone."

He blew away the lingering vapor inside his lungs, as he pushed aside the wet strand of hair which blocked his eyes. The paved road was now teeming with rainwater, and the shops on the streets had finally been closed due to it. The people must've been inside, and he nearly laughed at the thought of Valentine's Day being disrupted due to a simple rain.

"The festival must've been cancelled then…" He mused, as his longing eyes viewed the panorama in his sights; the town, with its wet and empty streets, the Rainbow Sakuras with their nacreous, shimmering leaves…and the vast sky itself, which was as gloomy as him.

On a Valentine's Day, on a Valentine's Day

(I used to be my own protection, but not now)

On a Valentine's Day, on a Valentine's Day

(Cause my mind has lost direction, somehow)

And now, it was his tenth cigarette…

The loneliness inside was waning, however…

The sadness still remained.

The emptiness still lingered inside.

…And that's when he realized it.

These things…this outlet for relief, it wasn't meant to make the misery disappear. It merely served to lessen it, to make it weaker…

Because the sorrow inside—no magic could diffuse it. These things had a limit to what they could do…

But Natsu… what he wanted wasn't a remedy—it was a cure for the loneliness, and he was sure… that when the cigarettes ran out, he would be back from where he was. His heartache would return, if not—grow stronger.

The bitter taste of smoke which he had finally gotten accustomed to—he only realized its meaning now—it was the bitterness he felt within.

He wanted someone to end it…

The stick of wrapped tobacco was burnt up in an instant, and the warmth he felt inside—it was gradually waning as soon as he realized what was wrong, making him feel the sheer cold he had subjected his body into…

He tossed out another one,

And the rain…

"Huh…?"

The rain was still falling, but it wasn't falling on him anymore. The pitter patter of the tiny raindrops was being stopped by something above him.

"You're going to catch a cold if you're not careful…" An unfamiliar voice declared. He looked up, as a shadow loomed over his face.

A black umbrella was protecting him, and the one holding it—

…She was a woman he had seen before, but never really gotten to know well. The grey, turtleneck sweater she had worn fitted perfectly and accentuated her curvaceous body, but that wasn't what had gotten his attention—It was the woman's beautiful, stoic face; a look that reminded him of someone else, that magnificent black hair which cascaded flawlessly past her shoulders, and that white bow above her head; tied to look like sharp, rabbit ears.

"You're…?"

"Kagura. Kagura Mikazuchi…"


He found himself staring into the woman's black eyes; eyes which were as dark as his own. The woman moved in front of him, and he tilted his head in surprise. He was cautious of the sword she was carrying, but her mere presence stole away his entire gaze.

"You're that strong chick from Mermaid Heel…" He muttered, and her eyes twitched. His eyes were still locked on hers, but she too was transfixed over the lone Dragonslayer.

"…May I sit down?" She asked politely, and his face drew out a rather questioning look.

"…Uh…Yeah, I guess. But it's wet." He pointed out blankly.

"I see… I'm sure a fire mage can do something about it though."

"I'm a fire mage." He answered stupidly and summoned his flames, maneuvering them towards the empty space beside him. The shallow puddle which had pooled on its surface quickly turned into vapor, and the entire bench had become dry. Afterwards, the swordswoman let the longsword she was carrying lean onto the small bench, as she seated herself beside the confused pinkette.

Silence followed, and the woman named Kagura drew a long breath to calm herself. Natsu saw fumes of warm air blow out from her mouth, and figured that she was cold. She held onto the umbrella, protecting them both from the rain, and to show his appreciation, he willed the heat inside him to rise.

"Is the heat okay?"

"…Wha—I mean, yes." She was surprised, but she caught herself just in time to maintain her composure. Kagura noticed the temperature getting warmer, and she thanked the Dragonslayer in her mind.

"What brings you here? Mermaid Heel's pretty far away from what I heard." He asked suddenly, but her face remained as impassive as it ever was.

"…My guildmates brought me to see the Rainbow Sakuras, but the viewing was postponed. Everyone went to Fairy Tail in order to wait the rain out. So, I planned to go back ahead… and then, I saw you…"

Natsu's blank stare was getting to her, so she quickly added—

"I would appreciate it if you'd stop staring at me."

He looked at her one last time, before he faced the view he had originally come for.

"Why are you alone?" Kagura inquired curiously, but her face was showing the least bit of interest.

"The Sakura trees can be seen here…see?" He pointed to the view, and received a reply he wasn't expecting.

"…But watching from the front is better, is it not?"

She had pointed out the obvious, but he smiled nonchalantly.

"…I guess."

For what seemed like minutes, dead air filled the atmosphere. Looking at it from a certain perspective, what could be seen where two mages from different guilds—strangers to each other. This was the first time the both of them had talked, and both of them ran out of words to say to the other…

Until—

"I'm Natsu, by the way." The pink-haired teen introduced himself to break the tension, but the girl's eyes hardened.

"I know. Natsu Dragneel, Fairy Tail's Salamander." She confirmed, but he simply sighed.

"Natsu is fine…" He muttered.

The woman thought for a long time, while his eyes searched the town. Finally, she responded back…but her voice held a very serious and grave tone.

"Okay then… So Natsu, do you mind if I ask you something?"

"What is it?" He inquired; his eyes still on the town.

"It's about…Jellal Fernandez."

The name hung in the air, and silence once again reigned. He was going to blurt out something, but he caught himself in time; remembering Erza's warning—to never speak about Jellal, or any of the members of Crime Sorciere to anyone who wasn't involved.

"…What about him?" He asked after sometime, and the raven-haired mage nodded.

"You know the guy, am I right?"

…He nearly choked, as her steely eyes looked straight through; as if they were staring into his very soul…

…This was one scary girl, he thought.

"And what if I do?" He hid his hesitation, and decided to play along.

"Then tell me, can he be trusted?"

"What?" His mouth moved before he could even stop it, but the woman disregarded his stupid answer.

"…Jellal Fernandez is a criminal; he had infiltrated the magic council, created a suspicious tower with the enforcement of slavery, and aligned himself with various Dark Guilds… yet, Erza Scarlet has told me that he is not evil. You know who he is, after all, you know Erza Scarlet…"

"Why do you—"

"I know Erza Scarlet trusts you… So, she must've told you something about him. Tell me, whose side is he on?"

He didn't know what to say… He was faced with a serious question which his mind couldn't catch up to…

But he was bad at lying, and the girl in front of him was trying to coax out the very truth with her inquisitive eyes.

And so, he answered her to the best he could.

"—I don't like him. He made Erza cry, he toyed with the lives of his friends in the past. He forced people to finish something they didn't want to…"

She remained silent, as he continued.

"I was there when he planned to kill her. I was there to stop him before he even finished what he had started. I defeated him, to end her tears…and to free everyone."

"So, the rumors were true. You really were the one who defeated him…Then—"

"But that wasn't him. He was being controlled; manipulated into doing what he didn't want to do…" His statement shocked her, but it confirmed what she had heard.

Jellal Fernandez…he really was controlled? But how was she supposed to believe it so easily?! After all…

"Yes, I don't like him… I will never be able to fully forgive him for what he has done to everyone he had used… Even though he has subjected himself to the path of repentance… I will never be able to forget the pain he had inflicted on Erza… And for killing Simon."

"…!"

"Simon… that name—why does he know that name?" She asked herself, but he had already moved past the name.

"But Erza trusts Jellal… So I too will trust him. But if he hurts her again…I swear—" He stopped himself from saying anything, but when he looked at his companion, he could see a satisfied expression on her face.

But he knew—something else was bothering her.

"…I see. You…you knew Simon?"

And his anger was quenched…for a deep frown appeared on his face.

"…Not that well…but he died to protect Erza and me… Because of my weakness, he died. He took the blow for us… It was my fault, for being too damn weak… That man, ever since I saw him go down in front of me, as a shield for his allies… I realized what it meant to protect someone. To put your life on the line, for the sake of others…"

He spoke sadly, while she listened…tears pooling in her eyes.

"I promised him I would always watch Erza… and I promised him that I would find her."

"Her…?" She asked, hastily getting rid of her tears before he would notice.

"His sister… I don't know who she is, but before he…died, he told me he had a sister. He told me that he was entrusting her to me… Wherever I go, I always keep a look out, but I realized how impossible it is for me… After all, I don't even know her name."

Her face turned into a surprised one, as Natsu looked up and scratched his head.

"Hahaha… I really should've asked for her name, right? I'm so stupid."

"That idiot…" She muttered in an undertone, and the Dragonslayer suddenly moved his face near hers. She drew back to get some space, while his confused eyes locked themselves on her.

"W-What is it?" She asked, cautious of the distance.

"You… You smell alike, now that I remember." He pulled back, and put on a thinking posture… not that anything occurred to him.

But like him, Kagura aimed her gaze at the stormy sky, which was starting to lighten up.

"…Simon was a hardworking kid. He was very kind, and gentle… generous, and selfless. His parents had left him and her sister… His weak, and pitiful sister. He wanted to make her happy, to make her forget of the pain their parents had left them. They were poor, but he was hard working; he thought ahead. He earned money to buy food for the both of them, and when they only had little to eat, he'd give everything to her, and starve himself for her sake… He was always there when someone needed help… Always there to cheer people up… So selfless, and self-sacrificing…" She spoke wistfully, and her face was tracing a distant look.

Natsu returned his sight towards the beautiful woman beside him.

"Really? How do you know all of that? Do you know the sister as well?" He asked, but she hesitated.

…But Natsu placed a hand on her shoulder, and showed her an assuring smile.

…It was a smile, which melted her doubts, and when he squeezed gently…she knew that she had to tell him…

"Her name, is Kagura, and she is a mage of Mermaid Heel."

...Tell him that the one he was looking for, was her.

"What are you talking about all of a sudden?" He asked, confusion on his face.

"It's her sister; Kagura Mikazuchi." She confirmed, but his mouth traced a deep frown; one which was not from sadness, but from bewilderment.

"But…Isn't your name Kagura?" He asked again, and she nodded in response.

"It is…"

"So, there are two Kaguras in Mermaid Heel?" He asked once more, his face showing the perplexed feeling inside.

…She couldn't hold it in.

"Ufufufufu…You really are an idiot." She giggled lightly, until she realized what she had been doing. Her expressionless mask appeared once more.

"What?" He asked stupidly, but this time…she answered him straightly.

"I am her… I'm Simon's sister."

It took a few moments to sink in, but as soon as he understood—

"…!"

Natsu held her in a tight embrace, and she knew that her face had turned red from the sudden show of affection.

"N-Natsu!" She tried to pry off his hands; she had never let a man touch her ever since she had learned magic... Those who had tried to force their hands on her had lost their arms, and this man...he was hugging her even.

The discomfort she felt was making her head spin…but she couldn't deny one thing—

He was really warm.

"I finally found you…Simon, I've found your sister… I've kept my promise now." He spoke happily, and she gave up trying to escape as soon as she found out the reason behind his rash action.

He pulled back, and with his hands still around her, he fixed his eyes on hers…

Her face was really red, but he disregarded it.

"Kagura… you're Kagura, right?" He asked for confirmation, but she merely looked to the side; flustered over the entire thing.

"Y-Yes. I-I am Kagura."

She hesitated, but his chuckle drew her to take a look at his face.

…His once empty eyes; they had been rekindled with the fire which had died down. His weak smile had grown, and despite the tears which were falling on his face, she could feel the happiness he was experiencing inside.

…This smiling man…this was the Natsu Dragneel that she had heard of.

"W-What is it?" She finally found her voice, and tried to contain her agitation…but her whimper gave it away...

After all, he was still hugging her, and with her hand still on the umbrella; the position he had brought on her was far from comforting.

"When I first saw you, I always thought you were an uptight and strict woman…" He voiced out childishly.

"I am…but—what?"

"—Well seeing you talking enthusiastically about your brother... I dunno, I just feel as if I was mistaken. I was thinking you were as scary as Erza or something... and I thought your face would be as weird as Simon's…"

…His honesty melted her tough façade.

…but it also earned her annoyance.

"...And I always thought you were an idiotically stupid guy, who only talks about food, fighting and nonsense each and every time..." She spat back, and the Dragonslayer released an adorable pout.

"Hey!"

"—But here you were, with an emotionless smile on your face... I thought you were incapable of feeling sadness... Minutes ago, your eyes were distant… Is something wrong?" She finally asked what had been bugging her from the start...

But Natsu…his frown returned all of a sudden.

"…It's nothing."

…And the silence returned with it. If there was one thing that Kagura would regret, it was her asking Natsu about his problem. Their conversation had been nice, to say the least—after all, Kagura had never conversed with a male, nor spend time with the opposite sex for this long…

Natsu remembered that he was still holding onto her, and slowly…he let go. He placed a bit of space between the two of them, and remembered something from before—

The pack of cigarettes had been forgotten, so he took them again, and pulled out another stick. Kagura watch curiously, as the fire mage placed the end on his lips…

"…they look so…soft—" She stopped herself from thinking of something she deemed obscene, as the Dragonslayer lit off his eleventh.

A short while after, she decided to break the silence.

"I didn't know you were into cigarettes..." She remarked, not being able to talk of something else, but he simply shrugged. The heavy rain from before was getting lighter, transitioning into a faint drizzle…

"Yeah, it's my first time smoking..." He confessed, as he blew the fume which had gathered in his throat. Kagura's eyes landed on the box he held, and upon closer inspection—

"And you're nearly emptying the whole bo—wait. Lucky Tredecim? Isn't that a rare item…? Where did you get your hands on that?" She inquired, and he pushed the pack towards her.

"It's a quest reward...Wanna try one?" He asked, waving the entire thing in front of her.

"I don't smoke." She replied sternly.

"Come on... Just one taste~" He tried, but—

"No." She replied again, but Natsu was persistent.

"Please?"

"No." She said with finality.

He pouted, before giving it one last try.

"One taste, and I'll do anything you want…I promise." He spoke out earnestly…

And she suddenly paused, hesitation clear in her eyes. She took a closer look at the box—reading its warning, but when she opened her mouth to confirm her decision.

"…here~"

He pushed the cigarette butt on the small opening she had made with her lips.

…It was so sudden, that she was unable to move. Natsu smiled once more, trying to assure her that it would be alright.

"Fine… One taste." She spoke through it, and Natsu lit the cigar with his fire.

COUGH! COUGH!

One inhalation was all it took, and she hastily pulled the thing out and handed it to the Dragonslayer. Smoke was forcing its way out of her nostrils and mouth, as she tried her hardest to coax ever single fume away.

"Aghk! Aghu! Fuwe!" She was still coughing everything out, and while he patted her back to help her, Natsu chuckled at Kagura's attempt. She looked at him with contempt, but he simply remarked—

"…Cute."

After she had stopped coughing, she took a deep breath of air.

"It was so…bitter." She said after some time, and Natsu nodded after pulling out the one he was smoking.

"I know, right?"

He tossed the nearly burnt one away, and placed the one Kagura had used on his lips. Seeing this, the sensitive girl turned beet red, and his questioning eyes looked her over, but she had looked away in embarrassment.

"T-That was an-an-an…" She was too abashed too even think of it, as the silence drew on again.

They sat under the protection of the umbrella, as the light shower continued falling. Natsu was smoking his cigarette, and she had finally gotten rid of her embarrassment. She looked to the side, staring at the Dragonslayer's calm face.

This was the first time in her life…to have been this close to a man... To have herself staring so intently at his face. Her eyes traced his features; his disgruntled, pink hair, which was unusually falling down; bereft of its usual spikiness, his lean, slightly tanned face—which she found to be rather attractive, his bright eyes which were ironically, as dark as coal…and his smile—his dazzling, toothy smile, which made his sharp canines visible, and perfect teeth noticeable.

This man…for the first time in her life, she found herself drawn towards someone of the opposite sex. Drawn towards his smile, towards the warmth he radiated…

"It's Valentine's, huh? Do you...Do you have someone you like?" She covered her mouth, for it had conceived a question she had only voiced inside her head.

Her blushing face looked towards the young man, who was apparently thinking hard…and she waited for his answer.

"Someone I like? Ahh, like Lucy, Erza, Lisanna, Mira, Wendy—"

"What?!"

She was surprised at the rather straight answer, which was devoid of any hesitation.

…but, she was also sad.

…He really did have girls he liked, and she couldn't blame him…but still, something kept nagging her inside.

Natsu continued speaking, not noticing her wistful expression.

"—Happy, Gildartz, Gramps…and maybe even Gray, Laxus and Gajeel… if they're nice."He finished with a smile.

…When she heard the last few names…and realized that these names belonged to guys, a sense of relief washed over her. She didn't know why, but somehow…she was happy.

This guy couldn't be gay after all, so he must've been talking about…

"You're friends, huh?" She whispered, but the next statement caught her entire attention.

"And even you... I like you, Kagura." He stated honestly, and she could've sworn that her blush had returned.

Due to his last declaration, she found it hard to speak. Natsu was looking at her with a puzzled face, so Kagura hastily tried to cover up the awkwardness she felt.

"You know... I thought you were really cool the first time I saw you fight. Stupid and loud, but cool—" She amended, but as she realized what she was talking about, her mouth hung open.

"Are you making fun of me?" Natsu cried out soon after, but she merely chuckled.

"Haha, not at all... What is it...?" She asked, but he simply showed her his magnificent grin.

"You're actually capable of smiling, huh?"

…This was the point, where she realized something.

This had been the first time she had revealed her unguarded side to someone else. Ever since her village had been destroyed…ever since her brother had been taken, she had always kept her emotions in check… She had always placed a lock on her feelings, and never had she shown this many openings to someone. Never had she shown this side of her—her embarrassment, her smile, and her laughter to someone else…except him.

As she looked him over once more, she realized something else.

This guy—she had fallen for him…

An unexpected meeting, but she refused to call it fate. She refused to call it destiny, for it was by his own actions that she had come to like him… It was because he was himself, that she found herself gravitating towards the warmth he showered.

And it was by that promise—her brother's promise of entrusting her to the man called Natsu, that she affirmed her decision.

As the clouds moved apart, bringing an end to the heavy rain which had disrupted the important day's festivities, she closed her umbrella and stood up after what seemed like forever.

"But of course... Hmm, the rain's gone." She voiced out, as she stuck out her hand for him to take.

Natsu blew the smoke he had kept contained one last time, before he threw away his twelfth cigarette. He held out the hand he had used to hold the box, but—

She quickly took it from him.

"Hey! That's my last one—give it back, Kagura!" Natsu cried out, but her face turned serious all of a sudden.

"No, smoking is bad for your health."She replied sternly, just like she had when they first talked…

"My lungs breathe out fire! I'm immune to smoke! Give it back, Kagura! Besides, I read the box—it says my breath will smell minty after I smoke even just one, and I've been smoking everything save for that last stick!"

She turned the box over, and raised her eyebrows, while Natsu tapped his foot impatiently.

"It really does say it…"

"See? Now, give it back!"

…But the thing she gave him wasn't the one he had asked for. It was the umbrella she had carried with her that she handed, and as she picked up her nearly forgotten longsword on the bench, the Dragonslayer could only look at her in contempt.

"Hey, you said you'd do anything I want right?" She turned towards him; her hands and sword on her back, while he raised his eyebrows.

"Yeah, what about it? If you want the cigarette...no, give it back!" He replied, but she smacked his head with her sword once, slipping the pack inside her pocket.

…And a bump immediately grew on his head.

"Spend the day with me, and I'll give it back to you..." She turned around, so that he wouldn't be able to see her embarrassed face.

Natsu thought for a second, before he asked—

"So, is this a date—or something?"

He had no idea what a date was, but his ignorant question actually flustered the swordswoman.

"No! I mean—you could say that, but it's... just walk me around and show me Magnolia and everything!" She replied quickly, taking a swift look at the pink-haired mage.

"Hahaha…You're weird..." He noted after, twirling the wet umbrella a few times to get rid of the water, before swinging it over towards his shoulder.

Natsu took Kagura's hand, and when she felt it… she finally calmed down.

"Warm…" She thought, before Natsu walked beside her. He looked her over and smiled, and she returned the gesture with one of her own.

"Let's go, Natsu." Gone was her stoic look; replaced by a lovely expression which fitted her beautiful face.

"Aye." He replied, before they set off to enjoy the rest of the day.

The day was still young, as the sun shined high above in its splendor. The dissatisfied clouds had been blown away, and the weather was simply perfect...

The sky was cleared of the tormenting rain…

And his heart was healed of the lingering pain…

The last cigarette was left forgotten, as they enjoyed each other's company…

And the two of them set off, to begin their newly written story.


'Sup~

…yeah. I don't know what's gotten into me too…writing things about Valentine's and stuff. I wanted to try things which are out of my comfort zone for once… and if you're asking—No, I didn't gain a smoking habit, nor do I advise you guys to smoke… Let's limit fiction to fiction, all right?

So, Kagura and Natsu, eh? Pretty weird, right? Don't ask me why I did it, cuz I'm a random guy. I know the characters are a bit OOC…so live with it. And I originally planned this to be a romantic comedy, but I wasn't sure if my punchlines would fit the theme.

And yeah, the ending was pretty abrupt…cuz this actually has a second part—but I'm only putting it up if I get favorable reviews and results.

Finally, to those who are reading my other stories—don't worry, I am paying attention to them. I seem to find it hard to get inspired nowadays, and it's impeding my progress. I used to get much of the inspiration I needed with reviews, but now…I'm really stumped. That, and my busy school schedule are driving me nuts, so forgive me for any shortcomings on the next month. I'm just beginning Ascalon, and as for SFAW, I'm not so sure if I'll be able to finish it this month… I'm pretty damn busy right now, with final projects and other stuff… Hopefully, I'll be able to finish both, so that everyone would be happy. I'll also be doing one-shots on other occasions, if I find the inspiration to write them.

An advanced Happy Valentine's Day to those who need it! Don't forget to greet your loved ones and brush your teeth after eating chocolate!

…peace…