Disclaimer: Fairy Tail belongs to Hiro Mashima & Kodansha.

This story is heavily inspired by the songs BEGIN AGAIN by Colbie Caillat and SET FIRE TO THE RAIN by Adele.

CHAPTER ONE

Does it qualify as an affair? They're not committed to anyone... technically. Yet, why do guilty feelings plagued both of them?

They meet up in secret. They give each other stolen glances. They touch each other when they know no one is watching. They devise plans to run away from Happy, without the smart cat realizing it. Such actions that can be construed as if they're having an illicit affair! They couldn't even reveal their relationship to their friends.

Do they even have a relationship to begin with? Comrades with benefits? What's stopping them for putting a label to what they have — what they've been doing?

Okay, let's take a moment and analyze this.

Many think that Natsu and Lucy have some mutual understanding, and the one thing that's missing is a love declaration. They're the endgame to a longstanding series. If someone was to write a novel, the relationship between Natsu and Lucy is canon.

Then, there's the water mage named Juvia. Oh, this girl is head-over-heels in love with Gray. Well, that's how it's seen by onlookers and their fellow guild members. Pronouncements of her affections towards the ice mage are frequent, if not every minute. Eventually, Gray would give in. At least, that's what everyone in the guild predicts and expects.

Thing is... right at this very moment, the blue-haired water maiden is sleeping soundly in the arms of the fiery salmon-haired dragon slayer.

Natsu is wide awake, his hand caressing the exposed smooth skin of his lover. He inhales, loving how her scent fills his senses. It drives him wild, which can be dangerous when they're making love. He becomes aggressive; his primal instincts amplifying his brash nature. One time he unintentionally gripped her slender arm tightly. They were both buried in deep passion, not realizing the intensity of their actions. When he saw her bruised arm, he couldn't bring himself to look at her. Juvia had to assure him relentlessly that everything was okay.

She is equally aggressive during their intimate moments. The scratches on his back are living proof. Heck, she even bit him one time when she tried to stifle a moan.

It is nearing sunrise, and Natsu knows this heaven-like euphoria will soon end. He must leave to go on a week-long mission with Lucy. He hasn't told Juvia that the celestial made is his only companion this time. The others will not be going with Team Natsu.

On one hand, it's not like Juvia cares if Natsu's all alone with Lucy. In fact, she would be even thrilled that her dear Gray-sama will be left behind. A growl threatens to escape from Natsu's throat. It's getting harder and harder to control his jealousy.

On the other hand, what if Juvia gets jealous? (Will she even get jealous?) Everybody knows how Juvia's mind works when it comes to love rivals. Natsu just wants to prevent the darkening of Juvia's mood. But then again... he highly doubts his alone-time with Lucy will drive Juvia to a jealousy fit. Oh, but if it was the other way around, where Juvia and Gray go alone, Natsu will find ways to join them. That's for sure!

Ugh, this is insanity! He slaps his forehead with his hand. For now, he just wants to rid his mind of this complicated thoughts. He turns around to face the lovely maiden. With his free arm, he wraps it around her curvaceous frame. She stirs, nuzzling her face closer to his chest.

Natsu groans out loud. The simple act alone makes him think of dirty thoughts. And it seems like his hand has a mind of its own, as it goes and cups her behind. Natsu couldn't help but squeeze it. A giggle escapes from Juvia's lips.

"You're awake," states Natsu, pulling away a bit to check.

Giggles again. Still with her eyes closed, Juvia's hand starts caressing his cheek. "Doesn't Natsu-san need to leave for a mission soon?"

This time Natsu's hand travels to the curve of her back, pulling her closer to him. "Soon."

No words are exchanged between them for a while. Just silence, except for the soft breaths expelled by the two.

"You'll miss your Gray-sama," Natsu says this laced with sarcasm.

"Perhaps, but Juvia will miss Natsu-san, too."

A sneer plays across Natsu's face. He doesn't doubt her sincerity, but he knows she'll long for Gray more if he's leaving as well. A sudden bitter feeling envelopes his insides. He removes his arms, untangling his body from hers, catching her by surprise.

"Is Natsu-san leaving now?"

He answers with a grunt as the warmth radiating from Juvia's body was suddenly gone.

"When will you be back?" Juvia sits up, wrapping the blanket around her shoulders, covering her complete body.

"Depends how the mission goes."

"Three days perhaps?"

"Dunno," is his curt answer with a shrug of shoulders. Throughout the short exchange, Natsu has fully put on his clothes.

Juvia notices his abrupt aloofness but lets it go. She doesn't want to part from him in a sour mood.

"Please try to make it before the weekend," she shyly pleads. Actually, she is hoping he would insist to know why she's asking this. To her disappointment, Natsu just shrugs again. He walks towards the window to make his escape.

"Gotta go, Juv," he bids her goodbye with a simple wave. Before Juvia could even respond, the fiery mage jumps off the window of her dorm without even a glance at her. The water mage tries not to over think Natsu's sudden change in attitude. With a sigh, she stands up from the bed, dragging the blanket wrapped around her body.

For now, the goal is to find Gajeel to discuss their upcoming mission. It's off to the Fairy Tail guild then!