Hey, guys! I'm here again with another story. The plot/idea came to me while I was halfway writing Paradise Circus but I decided to wait for a while before actually starting this one. I wanted to try something that's not dark and so this is the result although I should warn you that my characters would be somehow OOC.

I do hope that this story will be received well and that I will be inspired to finish this one successfully. So, again, I'll be in your care! And btw, if you guys have any suggestions or comments or if there's anything that you want me to add up in this story, please feel free to PM me so I can try and squeeze it in.

Also, English is my third language so I hope you'll go easy on me if I make any spelling and term mistakes, grammatical errors, and some others. AND, please let me know if I should go on with this story or not.

DISCLAIMER: HIRO MASHIMA OWNS FAIRY TAIL

CHAPTER ONE

YOU SENT ME FLYING

Balsam Village.

Finally.

The whole ride from Magnolia to Balsam Village had been long and tiring for me. It has been a while since I last traveled alone so even if the whole trip had been kind of lonely for me, I have to say that it was refreshing. This time I did not have to deal with Erza and her large cart of useless things she calls her luggage. There was no Happy with his constant teasing and annoying side comments, no whining Natsu about how sick he feels from the motion and most of all, I did not have to deal with my emotions and hormones for the obnoxiously hot, drop-dead gorgeous, stripping Ice Make mage. Don't get me wrong, I love them to bits and pieces but right after the Grand Magic Games, I just needed to take a break from everyone- from the guild, from taking missions, from Team Natsu, from my rent, from all the fighting and most of all, from my own self.

Arriving at Balsam Village, just a few minutes past 3 o'clock in the afternoon, I headed straight to my hotel, on foot, taking in the not so familiar and familiar sights all around this so-called flashy spa village. The oriental architecture style never ceased to amaze me, having been here once, and the scenery had me all starry-eyed as I walked around the streets towards nowhere in particular, taking it easy. I was on vacation, after all, with so much time in my hands. The village gave off a unique but cozy vibe that it did not take me long enough before I finally felt myself relax. Earlier, I had planned to sleep until the next morning right after I arrive but I grew restless and overwhelmed when I breathed the significant air of this village.

After checking in, the hotel attendant along with the bellboy led me to my room with a perfect view of the place. The room was big enough for me, equipped with a small kitchen and a dining area, a large walk-in closet connected to the ocean-themed bathroom, a queen-sized bed that was as equally soft as my bed at my apartment back in Magnolia. I discarded my clothes and slipped on a light, summer dress that ended a few inches above my knees, strapped my belt and key holder around my waist along with my whip and headed out to a coffee shop that had caught my eye when I was on my way to the hotel.

When I entered the coffee shop, I was surprised to see that it had an open garden expanse with a man-made lake adorned with lotus flowers floating atop its glassy surface that reflected the orange and purple colored sky. I headed straight to the garden area after ordering a tall glass of Caramel Frappe with a dash of peppermint. It's only my first day yet things were starting to look so promising that I couldn't help but feel so eager about what the following days would bring. After my order arrived, I finally loosened up letting my eyes wander all over the garden but my thoughts drifted back to Magnolia.

I know that it was too early for me to miss the place but I could not help but think back at how this vacation was made possible. I was pretty bummed out and disappointed at myself after losing twice at the Grand Magic Games. First was Flare with her scary red hair and next was the Naval Battle with that witch, Minerva. They keep on telling me that my power as a Celestial Mage was a unique one and I am really glad to be a fortunate key-holder especially after knowing that my mom used to be one but no matter how special they say my power was, let's face it: I am truly helpless, always having to act as a bait, without my keys and even if I learned how to master Urano Metria, thanks to Hibiki, the spell just was not enough, not to mention that it drains up a big amount of my magical power. My friends had been really supportive during the whole ordeal so I tried my best to keep my head above the water so I won't drown in self-loathing and frustration. The GMG had been a really fun experience for me but I knew that I needed a break to clear my thoughts and catch up with my novel. I only hope that Levy has the patience to wait for me to finish.

It was only a few days after everyone was finally back at the guild in Magnolia. I was at the bar, watching Natsu and Gray fight while tipping down a glass of draft beer with Cana right beside me, hugging a whole barrel of booze all to herself. I can't remember what we were talking about but I think it had something to do about that guy named Bacchus. I knew that Cana likes the guy since after she lost to him in a drinking match and I was really happy for her, knowing how well she used to spend some promiscuous nights in bed with countless strangers. It was time for her to at least settle down and find herself a steady boyfriend who had the ability to match up with her drinking habits. She talked on and on after Macao finally called her over for a drinking match and so, I was left alone. Macao knew that he was going to lose anyway but there was nothing to do at the guild.

I remember watching Natsu and Gray's fight again. No. Cut the crap. I was only watching Gray, chuckling at how childish he was whenever Natsu was involved. Realizing that he was stripped off, with only his boxers left, I felt a small hot blush creep up my cheeks and I tell you, the beer was not helping. Not at all. I groaned in physical frustration and looked away to nowhere in particular. The duo's fight was soon cut off, a big thanks to Lisanna, who scolded them both with a threat, earning her a lost-puppy-saying-sorry look from the both of them and that's when I finally decided to watch them again. Levy came over to me and told me about how annoyed she was at Gajeel but soon, my attention was cut off by a certain Water mage who entered the guild, her eyes darting to and fro in search for her 'Gray-sama'. As soon as Juvia spotted him, she called out to him with her hand waving at his direction and I did not miss the look on Gray's face when he saw Juvia.

Instead of scrambling off to find a place to hide, Gray beamed widely at her and I was like, 'what the hell just happened?' My curiosity got me spinning out of control but I kept myself calm while half-listening to Levy's blabber. My suspicions heightened up a notch and I know that I was hitting off right at the mark. Something is going on between Juvia and Gray. I noticed that they grew close during the Grand Magic Games and that they ever grew closer now that things have finally settled down.

I like Gray. Fine. I really like him. A lot. When I first met him I thought that he was cool and all but soon enough, my admiration for the Ice mage started to grow until I finally found myself helplessly attracted to him especially after my battle with Gemini, who was at that time, working under Angel's orders. My ears rang in joy when I heard that he thought of me as 'rather cute'. Sure, at first, I was a bit weirded out by his flawless stripping habit but I admit that he looks rather good with his top off. I know that I was not just attracted to him physically but being with him during missions, I learned a lot about him to like him enough. My feelings for him were rather unrequited but there was clearly nothing wrong with it so it was fine for me to just let my feelings for him develop on the sidelines.

Gray's got a big heart, a kind smile and he was not dense like Natsu. He was brave and on some occasions, his sweet side would shine through. When Juvia came along and joined Fairy Tail, I was really bothered at seeing how obsessed she was with him but after seeing him flee away from her love-wrath, I began to think of it as nothing since I realized that Juvia was no different from me and my predicament except that she was being vocal about her feelings for him. I have to give it to the girl for being bold and confident even if Gray had, like, refused her for more than I can count. But that's not clearly the case now, is it? Juvia is now a threat and it's just like what she keeps on saying: I really am her love rival and there was no doubt about it.

"Lu-chan?" Levy said, noticing my split-attention. "Are you listening?"

I glanced at her with a bashful smile, trying hard not to look guilty. "Yeah. Go on."

"So, as I was saying, Lily told me that Gajeel once…"

I just could not concentrate anymore. By now, Gray and Juvia were talking as if it was the most natural thing for them to do and I was not going to be a bitch to get in between them just to drag Gray away from her. I mean, who am I to do such a thing? Sure, he's my friend and I'm his but there were boundaries between us that I just could not dare cross, given our current standing as team mates but hearing Juvia's giggle over something that he said sent a vein throbbing right on my temples.

Okay. I'm lying when I said that there is a line that we are not supposed to cross. No. I really don't know but, something happened a long time ago and that 'something' led to another thing. Gray may have possibly forgotten about it but in my case it's still here, treasured deep inside my memory. On his side, what we did was nothing but just some sort of mistake, a one-time thing, that should never happen again while I think otherwise. I'm not going to mind if it happens again, don't get me wrong though, I'm not some sort of a slut who loves to play around but it's just that with Gray, I can't say no to him. If he would tell me to jump in a deep well, I would, just as he had risked his life for me a couple of times. Then, I realized, that love is such a sly thing. It makes us do the impossible, makes us think how everything in this world seems so absurd and unbecoming. Love really is cruel, isn't it? With these thoughts in mind, I excused myself from Levy for a moment to order another round of beer.

"Are you okay, Lucy?" Mira asked me.

I almost cringed at how perceptive she saw when it comes to emotions. Playing it cool, I flashed her my usual bright smile and nodded.

"Yeah. I just want to slack away today. I don't have anything to do tomorrow anyways."

Mira raised an eyebrow as she handed me a glass of beer. "Is that so? Aren't you going to take on a mission with Natsu? There's a lot of new requests posted at the board right now."

"No," I shook my head. "He said that we're going to take a break for a while and Erza agreed."

"All right, then. Just don't drink to much, okay?"

"Sure, Mira. Thanks!" I raised my glass to her before downing three big gulps and that's when it hit me. I should take a break as well. Erza left yesterday without telling us where she was heading to but some of us knew that she was off to see Jellal. My thoughts of taking a break was just probably out of whim but I had managed to decide right away. With that goal in mind, I left the beer on the counter table and skipped my way to the second floor of the guild where I know master will be. I knocked on the door of his office and I heard his gruffly voice, telling me to come in.

I opened the door, gently closing it behind me. Master was sitting on a chair, signing some papers on his desk with constant sighs. Everyone knew how he hated doing paperworks. He looked up and smiled at me.

"Ah, Lucy. What brings you here?"

I took a couple of steps forward and sat on the empty chair, facing him. Fidgeting for a moment, I took a deep breath.

"I… Uh, I want to take a break for a while," I told him. "Just a short vacation. I won't be gone for a long time."

"Well, I don't see any problems with that."

"Great! Thanks, master. I'm going to leave tomorrow."

"Okay. Be sure to have fun and relax. I'm sure you're all stressed out from everything. Don't hesitate to contact us if the need arises."

I stood up from my chair and bowed in gratitude before leaving his office. I went back to the bar, deciding not to tell anyone but Mira. I approached her and paid my bill.

"You heading out now, Lucy?"

"Yeah. And oh, I'm going to leave Magnolia for a while."

Mira frowned. "Why? Is there something wrong? Where are you going?"

I chuckled at her worried reaction. "Nothing happened, Mira. I'm just going away for a bit for a short vacation. I'll be back before you know it."

With that, I left the guild without looking back, without saying goodbye to my friends and my team mates. I walked over to my apartment, calling out Plue to walk the way with me as we skipped down the bridge, thinking about the countless places were I could possibly go for vacation. Hargeon is nice but a little too boring for me so I scratched it out. Galuna Island? No way. I mean the place was nice but it was a bit too eerie to my liking, especially after that big and crazy fight with that beast, Deliora. The Akane Beach Resort also came to mind but I really wanted to go to a place were time just passes by idly until I remembered one perfect place: Hosenka Town a.k.a Balsam Spa Village.

When I arrived at my apartment, I quickly packed up my things, cleaned the house and slept the hours away after a soothing hot bath. I was glad that Natsu didn't break in through my window that night since I wasn't really in the mood for any of his shenanigans and if he would learn about my trip, for sure, he'll persuade me to bring him along and that would ruin my plans.

I sighed, dismissing my trip down the memory lane when I saw that the sky had already turned dark. I took out a a book from my bag, the one I happen to pick up in random when I was packing up and opened it, reading the first chapter deeply, taking the words into heart before breathing out in contentment, a habit that I picked up from Levy whenever we would go out to read together at our favorite coffee shop back in Magnolia whenever we were both taking a break from going out with our team for missions. I stopped after a couple of pages and looked my at my new surroundings, I observed a big frog as it leaped into the pond with a loud splash that triggered a 'zen' moment, sparking a light bulb inside my brain. That's it! Maybe this time I can do something different while I'm away, something that's 'un-Lucy' like. Maybe I could turn this lonely trip into an adventure of some sort, a self-discovery, and when I get back at the guild, I'd be a 'new' person or something.

I finished a few more pages and left a few jewels for my frappe before leaving the coffee shop, making a mental note to come back here again. I was getting hungry so I looked out for a good place to eat. Finding a Japanese Sushi Bar a few blocks away from the coffee shop, I decided to order something light to go along with a hot bottle of sake. I could get pissed drunk tonight and no one would care. After dinner with my belly all hot and full from the sake, I headed to a nearby bar and ordered liquor.

Goodbye, Princess Lucy.

Goodbye, damsel in distress.

Goodbye, kind and caring and valiant me.

Clover Town.

A nightmare woke me up from my deep slumber. I groaned in annoyance as my head started to throb with a steady, pounding pace. Lifting my head up, I looked at the clock on the bedside table and saw that it was only a little after midnight. Sighing to myself, I looked down below me and saw a naked figure snuggling close to my shirtless chest. Of course, there was no need to panic since I can still clearly recall what had happened earlier. Displeasure coursed through me.

'Who is this bitch again?' I thought to myself, recalling her name. I was at a bar earlier, out for a hunt, where I picked up this chick.

Sure, she was hot with a nice rack and a peachy bum but just like all the other girls that I had been with in bed, the pleasure never really lasts. So much for my sexcapades, huh? After drinking, we ended up in this hotel room and had sex a couple of times before this chick passed out from exhaustion. Smirking to myself, I know that my body was built for pleasure but truth be told, I still feel embittered. Until now, I still have not met someone who could par up with me in bed and give me the level of carnal pleasure that I had long been dreaming of. I perfectly know that this stranger would be having a hard time walking by the next morning when she wakes up, recalling how rough I had been with her but she was too drunk to notice.

When my grandfather expelled me out of the guild, I had been alone most of the time and my solitary journey over here and there made me turn around that I had a change of heart. It was not that bad, actually. I thought a lot about what happened, what I did wrong, having hurt my family because of my own foolishness until finally, I began to change little by little. I was glad when I was picked out as one of the participants at the Grand Magic Games, knowing full well that I was home again but old habits die hard. We all have our own little secrets, we all have our own weaknesses and bad attitudes and I happen to like my vices and I won't ever let them go. Not yet.

No longer wanting to stay in this room with a passed out stranger, I broke off from her embrace as she stirred at the sudden movement. I waited for a little while before she finally snuggled on a pillow beside her, drifting off to sleep once again. I went to the bathroom and took hot shower, got dressed and left the hotel. After a night like this, I know that I have to leave once again. Moving from once place to another was nothing for someone like me since I'm pretty much used to it.

I arrived at my hotel, took a can of beer from the mini bar and relax on the bed, thinking where to go next. After going over at the map inside my head, I finished the beer and toyed with the empty can. I looked at the information at the back of the can and saw a name of a place.

Hosenka Town.

Perfect.

With that, I closed my eyes, hoping for a dreamless sleep this time.

TBC

So, what do you guys think so far?

Is it any good?

If so, please let me know so I can decide if I should continue this story or not.

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Thank you and see you on the next chapter!