Chapter 14: Back to Normal…Sort of

As Erza quietly enjoys her cake at the guild, she looks around at her nakama. Levy is reading, Natsu is eating gluttonously, Elfman is showing off his muscles—much to Evergreen's pleasure—and Lucy is looking for yet another job for rent money. Happy is trying to coax Carla into having fish with him but failing miserably, which is quite amusing to those around. No one suspects that anything is going on with Erza, much to her and Natsu's relief. However, Erza begins to wonder if keeping the pregnancy a secret from everyone is really the right decision. If people knew, then she wouldn't have to worry about being so secretive, which would be great, but, she is also scared and doesn't want unnecessary attention. Maybe Natsu and I should talk about it again, she thinks, But we've already discussed it twice—I'm sure he's tired of talking about it by now. Damn it all, I'm over thinking everything.

Natsu walks toward Erza. "Hey, you ok?"

She looks up, slightly dazed at being pulled from her thoughts. "Yes, I'm fine. Why do you ask?"

He shrugs. "You haven't joined the fun. You love horsing around with us." A grin forms. "Come on, I'll go get Grey and we'll pummel each other like old times. Sounds fun, right?"

What if something happens and I get hit in the stomach? Or what if I over-exert myself and I lose the baby? She shakes her head and stands, feeling rather anxious. "It does sound fun, but I'll have to pass. I have to, um, go now to get my sword sharpened."

Natsu frowns. "Your sword? But—"

"Gomen, Natsu, but I really have to go." Erza rushes out of the guild before he can stop her.

Damn, Natsu thinks, What's going on with her? He, too, walks out of the guild. Everything seemed fine earlier, he thinks, What happened? He looks around the perimeter of the guild but doesn't see Erza anywhere. In order not to panic, he takes a few deep breaths. He knows Erza won't be stupid enough to wander off some place far. Although, I do know one place she would go to calm down. With haste, he heads over to the one place he knows Erza will be.

o0o

This is childish of me—running away like that, Erza thinks. But I felt so overwhelmed with worry that I just had to get out of there. A cool breeze gently dances in her hair and caresses her face, bringing peace to her mind. The warmth of the sun wraps around her like a hug—a hug from Natsu. I hope he isn't mad at me or anything, she thinks.

"There you are," comes his voice from behind her.

She turns her head to his voice. "Here I am."

He sits next to her. "I know that Grey's face is hideous to look at, but I didn't think it was that bad today."

Erza laughs. "Gomen. I just was overwhelmed suddenly. I was scared."

"Of Grey's face? That's understandable." He chuckles. "Yeah, maybe asking you to brawl wasn't the best idea."

"No, it wasn't."

"But I'm an idiot and do stupid things all the time, so this shouldn't come as a surprise."

Erza laughs. "Yes, I know. I just…I wish I wasn't so anxious about everything."

Natsu takes her hand. "Is there anything I can do?"

"Just be here, next to me. That's all I need."

"Always."

She pauses before changing the subject, "I know we've discussed this before, but, are you sure that not telling anyone is a good idea? We can't hide this forever, you know."

Natsu tenses up. "I do know. I'm just not ready. Are you?"

"No."

"Then that settles it."

She doesn't respond.

"Let's stop worrying about the future and enjoy this moment we have together. All this worrying is killing the good mood I was in."

"Yeah, you're right. I'm sorry." She says quietly.

"It's fine. I know you're stressed out." He kisses the top of her head. "Come on, let's go to my place."

"That sounds nice." She stands. "Speaking of, am I moving in now?"

He shrugs and also stands. "If you want to. I mean, it makes sense, right?"

"I guess it does. I'll just bring a few things. I won't invade, I promise."

He grins mischievously. "But what if I want you to?" He puts his arm around her waist and pulls her close. "The Fairy Queen is welcome to invade my home any time."

Erza cocks an eyebrow. "Then let the invading begin."

o0o

Erza and Natsu both lay on the couch, arms wrapped around each other, watching a live stream of the Junior Mage Games—a magic tournament for young mages from all around. Romeo, of course, is one of the competitors. He hopes to impress Natsu with all that he's learned.

"Whoa, did you see that?" Natsu asks excitedly. "That kid's a monster!"

Erza chuckles at his child-like excitement. "They are pretty strong, but nothing compared to the green-haired girl from before."

"These kids make me look weak." He says with a jealous tone and pouts.

"Don't be ridiculous, Natsu. You're much more powerful than you give yourself credit for."

He blushes. "Whatever."

Erza giggles and kisses his cheek. "This is so nice—just resting at home."

Natsu is taken aback slightly. Erza has never called his house "home" before. "Home, huh?"

Now Erza blushes. "Too soon?"

He shakes his head. "Nah, I like it when you call this your home."

"I better get used to saying it, then."

He smiles and pulls her closer. "Yeah, I guess you will."

Things are starting to get back to normal, Erza thinks, like nothing's changed. Somehow, I'm not so scared anymore.

o0o

Author's Note: I'm so, so sorry that I've neglected this story for so long. I feel terrible! Life has been kicking my ass and I've had the worst writer's block. I hope you guys can forgive me. Anyway, I hope y'all enjoy this long overdue chapter. I'll try to write the next one soon.