"So.. What are you planning to do now that you feel better ?"

Looking away from Cana's gaze, you looked towards the window beside you pondering. You really hadn't had any plan whatsoever.

"I don't really know.. I'm not really in the mood to take an offer though."

Usually you just did minor jobs and hung out with your friends. But you weren't exactly feeling like doing all of that.

"Understandable." Cana placed her head on the table and sighed before suddenly raising it up ecstatically.

"How about you do the things you've never had time to do ? Like a bucket list ! Or, if you're not into that you could also have a self care day !"

You looked at her slowly, your face lighting up. You really hadn't had any time to yourself these past few months. You complied to her, a smile showing up on your face.

"So what's something you've always wanted to do ?" She asked you twirling her spoon inside her coffee.

"I've never finished cooking a meal before burning it... Learning how to cook properly could be fun thing to do !"

Cana, grinning, pulled out a notebook out of her satchel and ripped one of its pages.

"That's hilarious ! Let's add it to the list !"

The both of you continued to write down ideas on that piece of paper. The more was written on it the more excited you got.

You told Cana that you were going to start learning basic cuisine etiquette first and stood up to leave, finishing your drink in the process.

"I'll invite you over once I'm able to make a decent meal !" You told her.

She held out her pinky and reached out to you. You held up yours too and wrapped it around hers.

"That better be a promise !" Cana gave you a comforting hug, grinning.

You waved her goodbye, left your money on the table and took your leave.

Learning to cook was definitely going to be challenging. You always pushed back learning it so the thought of it had waved over you multiple times.

How was it that you still didn't know how to cook for yourself ? The take out boxes were a definite clue as to how...

You would try your best, that's all that mattered ! And if everything goes wrong then you'll resort back to take outs which is definitely a good thing !

You stopped in your tracks and hid your face in your hands.

"No, it's not..."

°

3 w e e k s l a t e r.

For the past 3 weeks, the guild had been extremely and interestingly quiet due to most of its members laying low. There was about nothing to do.

All the jobs had already been taking, even the minor ones and Magnolia was free of damage.

Gray had been strolling around town in search of a savory treat to gulf on for 10 minutes along with avoiding a certain water mage.

When he turned around the corner he could from a few feet away from him the door of the bakery open. Along with that he saw you coming out of it.

Jeez. It had been awhile since he'd seen you. He knew you were mad at him for the... Incident at the bathhouse and hadn't talked to you since then, fearing that you'd kill him.

But he knew you well enough to know that you were pretty apologetic.

When you wanted to.

Hopefully today was one of those days.

Gray walked slowly towards your fading figure and, scared that he might lose you, speed walked closer.

"Y/N, hey !"

You turned around sharply and smiled at him. He took notice of the bags you were holding and looked back into your eyes.

"Oh. Hi, Gray ! It's been awhile since we talked, huh ?"

"Yeah... How have you been ? Since you know.." He placed his hand on his neck scratching it lightly.

"I've been pretty cool, honestly... What have you been up to ?"

He grinned at you. He got really lucky. Today was a good day.

"Not much unfortunately. I was just wondering because nobody has seen you in weeks."

"I've been pretty cooped up in my room." You chuckled and continued, "I've actually been trying to learn how to cook.."

"Really ? Let me have a taste someday."

You nodded at him and pat his shoulder. Gray looked at you, a smile adorning his face.

"It's been awhile since we last hung out. We should go out sometimes again.."

"Sure ! Actually, you could help me next week with my purchases... I'll cook for you, if you want !"

"Yeah ! I'll take you up for that offer !" Gray hit your shoulder lightly before stretching his arms.

"Great ! And, do you mind asking Natsu to come too ?"

Gray looked at you confused and stopped stretching. He crossed his arms and huffed, his brows furrowed.

You could tell he was getting offended and just had to stifle a laugh.

"What ? You don't think I can handle heavy lifting ?"

"No, don't worry ! I just need to talk to him for a bit so it's a good opportunity."

"Fine. I'll see you around, Y/N."

Still frowning, he waved you goodbye, leaving you in a complete fit of laughter. He really was childish sometimes..

°

As you walked home, you continued laughing to yourself. Gray had come back to ask you about the whereabouts of the skewers they made around the street in a new food stand.

You had to give him the instructions 3 times for him to understand.

No matter how much you made fun of him, deep down, you really did enjoy his company.

When you got closer to your apartment, you saw your landlord crouched down on the ground. When you approached her even more, you were able to make out the small white fur ball sitting at her feet.

"Hi, Miss ! I see you've been lucky enough to find the stray cat !"

She turned around and gave you a closed eye smile.

"Hello to you too, Y/N ! I just don't know what to do with this cat..."

You could understand her. The cat was really comfortable with the complex so she'd be feeling bad about shooing it away.

"My husband is allergic to fur so I can't take her in..."

"It is a shame... We'll figure out a way, don't worry ! Well, I'll take my leave then, Miss Dubose !"

You waved her goodbye and headed your way. You walked up the stairs and pondered about the animal.

You really felt bad for it. Maybe while you're busy doing all sorts of things, you'll think about what to do about it.

You entered your place and dropped your bags on the floor. Heading near your bed, you continued to think about it. Maybe, you could take it in....?

No. It's a big responsibility to take care of an other being. You could barely take care of yourself as it is !

But if you were to take it in, you'd be giving it a proper home. Along with having an adorable companion by your side !

And, less importantly... He would maybe recognize that you've gained a sense of responsibility.

No.This wasn't about him. The cat was what mattered.

You sighed and looked away in the window.

Your heart was racing. Any thought about him, even a tiney tiny one would put you in a trance. It had already been a month and a half since you'd last seen him. Though you had dealt with way longer than this so it wasn't too bothersome. But you guys did end up on a sour note and that was the hard part.

You sighed some more and slapped your warm cheeks, standing up.

Heading to your bathroom, you splashed your face with freezing water to wake you up. Now you were ready.

You walked to your kitchen, unpacked what you had bought and set it on the counter. You also took the time to put on the apron you had bought the other day.

"Let's do this !"

˚˚

➔ UA's note :

B O O M ! Double update !

Hi everyone ! I've decided to change you guys's age in the story since it was a little pedo-y.. The age will now be 24 years old, same as Laxus's age ! I've gotten a lot of help from bakafantic so I just want to thank them again !

Also to make things clear on the timeline... The story is happening after the Tartaros arc. I hope that clears up any confusion !

Thank you again for reading ! ( ' ▽ ' )
(Vote and comment too if you want!)