I entered the Howling Dragons guild hall and instantly drew all the guild members to myself like a magnet, I had Swift to thank for that.

“Hey guys! Guess who’s come to say hello!” Swift declared as he moved aside.

“Akari!” Everyone yelled as they swarmed around me to say hello.

“Thanks for the welcome guys but, I can’t breathe.” I giggled.

“Come on everyone, let me greet Akari too.” I heard a familiar voice say.

“Hi Master.” I smiled as I saw him walk towards me.
“Come here, how are you doing?” Master Chikao asked as he gave me a hug.

“I’m doing well thanks, I see you're still keeping the guild in order.” I replied as I walked to the bar with Master Chikao.

“Yes, barely. To be honest, I think you did a better job than me.” Master Chikao chuckled.

“Aw, now that’s not true.” I giggled.

As I was about to drink from my mug at the bar, I felt a great force hurtle towards me and push me against the bar, they wrapped their arms around me cheerfully.

“Akari! You’re back, I’ve missed you so much! You didn’t say you were coming!” Kasumi said excitedly.

“I should’ve known, hey Kasumi.” I giggled as I gave her a hug. “You’ve grown your hair longer.” I commented as I lifted a section of her hair which, had grown into a long bob style.

“Yeah, I fancied a change in style... by the way...” Kasumi said curiously.

Kasumi ran towards Laxus and wrapped her arms around his arm, causing Laxus to step back in surprise.

“Oh, hello?” Laxus said, confused.

“Who’s this hunk that you’ve brought with you, one of your new Fairy Tail friends?” Kasumi questioned.

"Uh…" Laxus said awkwardly.

“My job partner actually, that’s La-“

“Laxus Dreyar, Makarov Dreyar’s protégé, he’s a Lightning Dragonslayer like Akari. I must say it’s an honour to meet you young man, I’ve heard a lot about you.” Master Chikao said in awe.

“Thanks, I’m glad that I met you actually, I know that you were a big influence in Akari’s life.” Laxus replied.

“Well I guess so but, you my boy, you’ve really helped Akari bloom in her magic ability, I read her article in Sorcerer Weekly and it sounds like she has learnt a lot from you.” Master Chikao commented.

“That’s good to hear, she’s a remarkable wizard, definitely full of surprises.” Laxus said as he looked at me and grinned.

“Well thanks Master for letting me introduce Laxus.” I said sarcastically.

“I’m sorry Akari but, he’s such a legend I couldn’t help myself, you being trained by a Dreyar, I couldn’t have hoped better for you.” Master Chikao beamed.

“He’s his own person you know Master, he’s a really powerful wizard in his own right, he doesn’t need a label to define himself.” I replied.

Laxus looked stunned by my comment.

“I’ll say, look at this guy, power must be his middle name I mean look at those arms! He’ll keep you warm at night, y’know what I mean Akari.” Kasumi giggled.

“Kasumi!” I exclaimed.

“Thanks, at least someone appreciates me." Laxus grinned as he looked over at me and raised his brow.

He’s rolling with this?!

I got up from the bar and walked over to Laxus and Kasumi, trying to prise Kasumi’s arms from Laxus.
“You never change do you?” I sighed and then giggled.

“Of course not. So, how long have you and Laxus been a thing then?” Kasumi asked.

Mine and Laxus’ eyes widened and we looked at each other, trying to signal with our facial expressions a warning sign.

“Well, there have been a couple of occasions where I've tried to seduce her but, she kept turning me down point blank.” Laxus said smoothly with a huge grin on his face.

"Hey! Cut that crap out!" I snapped at Laxus.

"Akari, how could you." Kasumi commented.

"Can't you tell that he's lying and only saying this to piss me off?" I asked.

"Geez, there you go again." Laxus huffed.

"Kasumi is gullible, she'll fall for anything." I stated.

"Wow, thanks for being a great friend." Kasumi said bluntly.

"Ugh, you know I didn't mean it like that." I replied.

"Your face was priceless Akari, I wish I could've taken a photo and kept it in my pocket with that other-" Laxus laughed.

"Shut up!" I exclaimed as I put my hand over his mouth. He tried to remove my hand by force but, I had the upper hand. "You'll have to excuse him, he has no filter." I giggled nervously.

"So, you're not together then." Kasumi said.

"No, I was joking around." Laxus said.

“Oh, I could swear that you were a couple, you’re so compatible.” Kasumi smiled.

“We’ve literally only been here an hour, how can you talk about our compatibility?” I questioned.

“I just see it I guess, I mean you know what’s been going on in my love life...” Kasumi said softly.

“You still haven’t said it? I thought it would’ve been easier since I left.” I replied.

“Well, I thought the same but, it was more difficult than I thought... anyway that’s a conversation for another day.” Kasumi giggled as she continued to interrogate Laxus and find out more about him.

On the sidelines, I noticed Swift laid against the wall with his arms crossed. I thought he would’ve joined us to catch up over the three months I had been gone but, he looked sad, something was bothering him but, I couldn’t figure it out from looking at him alone.

I stood up at the table where we were sat.

“Are you alright Akari?” Laxus asked.

“Yeah, I’m fine. There’s someone who I need to talk to alone so, I’ll be gone for a little while.” I replied.

I opened my satchel and took 10,000 Jewel out my purse and handed it over to Laxus.

“I was going to use this money to buy a present for Kasumi but, I didn’t get a chance to, why don’t you look around the town with Kasumi and get better acquainted, take Pika with you too.” I suggested.

“Yeah, sure.” Laxus replied.

“Aw, you didn’t have to do that for me Akari.” Kasumi said.

“I wanted to, you’re like a sister to me Kasumi.” I responded.

“Aw, that’s so sweet, thank you so much.” Kasumi beamed.

“No problem, all I ask in return is that whilst you go shopping to buy something nice for yourself, show Laxus around the town for me, maybe take him to some places where we used to hang out.” I said.

“Yeah sure, it’ll be fun.” Kasumi said as she smiled at Laxus. He smiled back in return and held on to Pika.

“Okay, I’ll see you guys this evening.” I said as I put my satchel over my shoulder.

“Yep, see ya.” Laxus and Kasumi replied.

I wandered over to Swift and tapped him on the shoulder to get his attention. He took his earphones out of his ears and looked at me with a downhearted expression, I could even notice that his eyes were watering, he was on the verge of crying.

"What's wrong Swift? You were your usual self when I arrived, now you've gone all quiet and haven't spoken to me properly really since I arrived." I questioned.

"I'm fine, just tired I guess." Swift said quietly as he shrugged his shoulders.

I reached my hand out and pressed it gently against the side of Swift's face, by doing that it activated the tears in Swift's eyes that he was trying so hard to hold back, he was still holding on though.

"Let's go for a walk and find somewhere quiet." I said softly as I held Swift's hand.

Swift couldn't speak but, he agreed to my suggestion with a simple nod.

Meanwhile…

Laxus' POV

I strolled through Shirotsume town with Kasumi and she gave me a tour guide of the town. I have been to this town before one or two times for job requests but, it was a long time ago, plus, I didn't really stop to have a proper look around. It was surprising to see the many different shops around, there were a whole range from outfitters to a variety of restaurants. Kasumi is a very positive and friendly person and I could see why she gets on so well with Akari and why they are really close.

We continued walking down the street where we saw a row of clothes and coffee shops with market stalls of independent sellers. I noticed one of the stalls was selling jewelry that featured uncommon gems and unique designs that I've never seen before.

"Hello, are you interested in any of these items?" The lady asked.

"I'm still looking thanks but, did you make these yourself?" I asked.

"Yes I did, I travel around Earth land and search for different types of gems and use them in my designs." The lady replied.

I continued looking at the items in front of me and saw something that stood out to me; a gold, cuff bracelet that had a flame design intricately carved into with amber gems placed around the design.

"I must say that looks really awesome." I said as I pointed at the bracelet.

"Ah, you like that one, you have good taste, I'll sell it to you for 15,000 Jewel, that's a saving of 5,000 Jewel." The lady commented.

That's quite expensive but, then again it's really good quality and you won't find it anywhere else…

"That sounds like a decent deal, I'll take it." Laxus agreed.

I paid the lady the money I had meaning that I didn't have a lot left in my pocket, I left most of my money back in Magnolia for safe keeping. She handed the bracelet over to me and I put it on my wrist, it looked really smart. Just as I had finished at the stall, I felt Kasumi grab my arm suddenly.

"Is this a habit of yours just grabbing people without warning?" I asked.

"Sorry but, it's really important." Kasumi replied.

Kasumi pulled me along with her through the crowd over to one of the shops nearby. I looked up at the shop sign above.

"Heart Kreuz?" I questioned.

"Yeah, they've got a sale on at the moment and there's this dress that I've seen that looks amazing." Kasumi said excitedly as she pointed at the dress in the window.

The dress was black in colour and strapless with the Heart Kreuz logo designed on the top of the dress, it looked similar to the design on the top piece of Erza's armour.

"How much is it?" I asked.

"10,000 Jewel, what Akari gave me is just enough." Kasumi replied.

"Seems pricey to me for a dress." I commented.

"Oh Laxus, you need a lesson in how fashion works, Heart Kreuz is a massive brand, half of the clothes that I own are from that brand, plus, this dress retails at 25,000 Jewel, which means that there is over fifty percent saving." Kasumi replied.

"I guess that makes sense… come to think of it, has Akari shopped here before?" I asked.

"She has but, she's not a massive fan of the brand, it's not really her style but, she did buy her yellow knitted jumper from here, she loves that jumper." Kasumi replied.

"I thought so, I noticed that the brand logo was on the bottom of the jumper. Anyway, you try on the dress and then we'll head over to one of the places Akari talked about." I suggested.

"Good idea, I'll try not to be too long." Kasumi replied as she entered the shop.

Stupid clothes shopping, it's worse when you're shopping with a chick 'cause they take ages browsing the racks. That one shopping trip I went on with Evergreen felt like I was there for months.

Ten minutes passed, and Kasumi left the shop with an extra bag in her hand. Thank goodness she didn't dawdle.

"You got it?" I asked.

"Yep, let's get going, we'll go to the park around the corner, there is a bench there that me, Akari and Swift always went to when we had free time." Kasumi said.

"Lead the way." I responded.

A five minute walk from the shopping district took us to a fairly sized park where there was a water fountain central in the park with plenty of benches around.

"Here we are." Kasumi said as she sat down on a bench that was hidden inside a gazebo covered in greenery which, made it hard to spot.

From the gazebo we could see a perfect view of the fountain.

"So, what makes this bench so special then?" I questioned.

"Look at the back of the bench." Kasumi said as she called me round to behind the bench.

I looked at the back and saw carvings in the wood, Akari, Kasumi and Swift left their initials there with the guild emblem of Howling Dragons and a date.

"5th June X784" I read out loud.

"Yep, that's when Akari first joined Howling Dragons, well, technically she joined just before that date, a few days before but, on this date here, this was when we first found the bench and decided to team up in the guild, when we first marked our friendship officially." Kasumi explained.

"That's interesting…" I said.

Me and Kasumi sat on the bench and looked out at the park peacefully but, there was something that I wanted to ask her.

"I don't mean to pry into your personal life but, earlier you were talking to Akari about someone, I presume it's someone you're in love with." I said cautiously, trying not to upset Kasumi.

"Oh, that. Yeah..." Kasumi said quietly.

"Do you want to talk to me about it, I might be able to help." I offered.

"Well, it's kind of complicated, you might not understand, moreover, I don't want to burden you with my problem." Kasumi responded.

"It doesn't bother me, it's better to share the burden than keep it to yourself. I'm actually having a bit of a predicament at the moment but, I still want to help you." I insisted.

"I guess you're right. I'll make a deal with you, we can both help each other with our problems how about that?" Kasumi offered.

"Yeah, that works." I replied.

"Okay, the guy that I'm in love with is Swift, I've really liked him for a couple of years now but, I've been too scared to say anything to him just because I didn't think he felt the same way, and as soon as Akari left the guild, it kind of confirmed my suspicions." Kasumi explained.

"How do you mean?" I asked.

"Well, I'll try to keep this short. Basically, the three of us have always gotten on well together, however, it used to be that Swift would get on better with Akari, yet, Akari would get on better with me and I tried to build a stronger relationship with Swift but, I don't think he quite realised my extra efforts, I was hoping that he would notice me more and maybe realise the love that I felt for him but, he seemed to be more fixated on Akari." Kasumi explained.

"Oh. I think I see where you are going." I replied.

"Yeah, I mean I'm not jealous of Akari at all because, I know that she doesn't feel the same way towards Swift, at least I don't think so. I'm still sad over the situation though because, when I thought things could get better it only ended up getting worse." Kasumi said.

"Is this when Akari left the guild?" I asked.

"Yeah. I was sad to see Akari leave initially and I still miss her even now but, she talked to me before she left and said that I might have a chance to be with Swift since I can spend more time with him, however, after Akari left, me and Swift still worked together and remained strong friends but, I could tell that he was sad over Akari's absence, I couldn't make a move towards him because, I knew the truth." Kasumi said, tears coming to her eyes.

"Woah, it's- it's fine." I tried to reassure her the best I could, unsurely patting the top of Kasumi's back.

"I'm fine, I've dealt with this for a while." Kasumi replied.

"I know, but, sometimes it's good to get it out of your system." I said.

"Yeah. Anyway, when I saw her arrive with you today, I don't want to be selfish or anything but, I felt like I had a bit of hope since I thought that she got with you. I felt like maybe Swift would realise and that it would give me a chance to be with him but, I think it backfired." Kasumi explained.

"Kasumi, you're not being selfish at all, obviously it seems that Swift likes Akari but, if he put the moves on her then she should let him know that she's not interested, I hope she does anyway…" I replied.

Kasumi looked at me with a surprised face, the cloud of sadness that she sat under seemed to have drifted away and a smile appeared on her face.

"Thanks for the advice Laxus, I appreciate it. One thing I will tell you which, is something that I wish that I had followed is when you find love, grab it with both hands if you feel that it is right in your heart, you'll regret it if you don't." Kasumi advised.

That one thing that Kasumi said to me opened my eyes, I was searching for an answer, I've been thinking about it a lot for the past month and yet, it was so obvious.

"I'll remember that, surprisingly enough you've just helped me with my problem, thanks." I said.

"No worries, I'm glad that I've been of help to you, it's the least I can do since you've been looking after Akari." Kasumi smiled.

"It's nothing, I've helped her with small things but, she can stand on her own two feet without me." I replied.

"I know, one more thing I wanted to ask." Kasumi said.

"Yeah?" I questioned.

"Do you think Akari could become S-Class like you? We were talking about it before she left and she thought that it was unlikely." Kasumi commented.

"Hmm… when I first saw her I would've said that her chances are low but, seeing her now, I reckon that she could have a shot at it with a couple more months of hard core training, we do S-Class trials in December but, I don't know whether she'll be ready by then or not, at the end of the day it's not my decision if she gets picked or not." I replied.

"Oh wow, that's amazing! If she gets the title we'll have to throw a massive party for her." Kasumi said excitedly.

"Nice. Apparently Howling Dragons doesn't have a S-Class system, is that true?" I asked.

"Well, it was true at first but, what I haven't told Akari yet is that we are bringing in the S-Class system, although, we were planning on calling them Dragon quests." Kasumi responded.

"Really? So, how did that come about then?" I asked.

"It was all thanks to Akari actually, since her appearance in Sorcerer Weekly, we've had a lot of new wizards come to Howling Dragons to join the guild, this has allowed us to gain more job requests with a wider skill set and higher Jewel rewards. Due to this, our guild is becoming more well known across Fiore and we are beginning to obtain S-Class rated jobs that we've never seen before. With the extra wizards and Jewel coming in, we've been able to train harder and better than before as well as being able to do a major makeover on the guild, which, we are beginning to do now." Kasumi explained.

"That's incredible, Akari will be pleased to hear that, her goal was to help Howling Dragons and make them more well known and she seems to have done that." I replied.

"Definitely, we were going to announce it to her whilst she was here, maybe tonight, depending on whether Swift has changed his tune." Kasumi said.

"Do you think he'll be holding a grudge against me?" I asked.

"It's unlikely, he'll probably be a little upset at you because, I think he knows that she would pick you over him but, he's never really been one for violence if he can help it so, you should be alright." Kasumi replied.

"That's good to hear I guess." I said.

Me and Kasumi checked the time and saw that it was coming towards dinner time, we left the park and made our way back to the Howling Dragons guild hall to see if Akari had made it back yet. When the moment is right I will follow what Kasumi had told me, my decision is crystal clear.