After my mental breakdown in the shower I had decided to put on a hoodie and pair of shorts and began to read a book. It wasn't the best genre, but it helped distract from my painful wounds the lied dormate beneath the bandages on my neck.

I had decided to wrap my neck in some cheap bandages I found in my medicine cabinet, but the blood had definitely began to seep through the thin cloth to my dismay.

I had finally gotten to an interesting part in my book before a knock was heard as it echoed through my lifeless apartment. I had figured it to be Erza again since she's been coming by every few hours to check on me. She had thought that I was shut-shut from people due to my heartbreak (which wasn't completely wrong), but in reality I've isolated myself because I have fucking death-petals choking me every 5 minutes.

I had initially planned on ignoring the knocking before it turned into a rhythmic beat against my front door. I listened again as the same rhythm repeated itself and I knew it wasn't Erza.

You ever had a friend who you had a secret handshake with? Or a song or inside joke only you two would understand? Well I had a secret knock with another girl from the guild that we'd use on one another's door to alert them of our presence. And that's was what was happening. I knew exactly who was at my door, and I most definitely didn't want her to see me like this.

I push myself off the couch and place my book on my coffee table before hastily shuffling towards my bedroom. My eyes quickly dart across the room to find something that could help me in this dire situation. My eyes finally land on a (f/c) colored scarf hanging from my closet door. I knew that the scarf would surely raise questions later on, but right now I was eager to hide the bandages.

I hastily pace towards the object before wrapping it around my bandaged neck, wincing at its sudden contact. I check my vanity's mirror and still see that still look like a walking corpse. I slowly begin to trudge to the living room and realize that the knocking had stopped, yet there were still feet shadowing below the crack in the door.

I reach for the doorknob then freeze mere inches away from it. 'How will she react? What if I scare her? What if she wants to leave me? What if she doesn't want go be my friend anymore!?' These kind of thoughts had surfaced in my head and began pooling in my thoughts.
'It'll be ok (Y/n). Ok?' I question myself before shaking away the negative thoughts and grabbing the door handle to where I slowly began turning it.

I open the door a little and the light from the hallway began pouring into my cumbersome dorm. I didn't realize that my chain lock was on the door, so it halted in its place only an inch or so allowing me to peep into the hallway. There I noticed a small figure with azure colored pigtails and a matching navy dress walking down the hallway. She must've heard my door open because her head snapped in its direction only to lock eyes with my lifeless (e/c). She gasped before jogging back to my door and bombarding me with questions.

"Oh my gosh! (Y/n)~Chan! Are you okay!?" Wendy exclaimed. "Erza told me what happened and I've finally had the time to come visit you! How've you been holding up?" She asks in an obvious worried tone. I open my mouth to speak but I'm immediately cut off but a flying ball of fluffy peeking into the door's opening. "Why is it so dark in there. I want you to open this door right now." Carla demands. Her comment immediately takes me by surprise and has me knitting my eyebrows together. 'Who the hell does this rat think she is?' I was about to repeat the phrase to her until Wendy pulls her away from the door. "Please. Be nice, Carla. She's hurting right now." Wendy says in an attempt to calm the irritated feline. 'What's got her tail in a knot?' I think as I watch her take a deep breathe. "So (Y/n)~Chan, may we come in?" Wendy asks in an almost pleading tone. I huff a shaky sigh before closing the door and removing the chain from it's capsule and slow cracking the door open.

I notice Wendy's saffire locks poking through the door before she finally enters my dorm. She lets out a small gasp as her eyes scan my entire being; a confused, worried and pitiful expression dawning her features. One I didn't want to see. But her feline companion held another expression that was definitely similar, except it held an expression that I didn't want to see.

Discust

I notice her face scrunch and her nose wiggle as she sniffed the air. I don't know if it was a dragon slayer thing, but the way she looked at me told me she definitely knew something was up. I could tell she was sifting her mind looking for a reasonable explanation for whatever she was pondering. But Carla. She scanned my living room before her coffee-colored eyes landed on my being. I could feel her intense gaze crawl over my body top to bottom as her nose twitched before eyeing my scarf.

I began to grow nervous as I began to scan my apartment for anything out of the ordinary. There was an occasional sock left on my floor here and there that made me question where its pair was but I didn't think too much on it. My eyes quickly darted to a few small faded red blots that resided in multiple places on my carpet that were no doubt blood. Carla's eyes soon followed mine and her eyes widen at the color staining my rug. She then looks at me before floating on front of Wendy in a protective manner.

"What are those stains on the carpet (Y/n)?" She asks as she tries to keep calm. "C-Carla it's not what you think." I try to explain as my voice failed me as it croak and cracked.
Wendy looked taken back by my strained voice before noticing the red blots also. Her eyes widen before locking with my wavering (e/c) ones. "(Y/n)~Chan, what are those stains on your floor?" She asks as her voice has slight undertones of fear residing in them. I began to brake out into a cold-sweat as I quickly racked my brain for a sensible answer. "I-I was sad last night and...uh...decided to have a glass of wine or so to help ease the pain." I sputtered. I regret the very words that passed my lips as the lie had made there suspicions grow farther. I know they knew it was a lie.
"But (Y/n)~Chan, you don't drink." I quickly dove back in to save my sorry ass before the conversation got worse. "I know Wendy. But I was hurting so much that I figured it would ease the pain." I croaked out.

I could tell that my little fib had definitely convinced Wendy as I watched her eyes gloss over and lauch herself into my torso. I stumbled back and nearly fell over at the unexpected weight, but caught myself before I made contact with the floor. My arms instinctively began to slowly wrap themselves around the younger girl's torso and holding her closer. I didn't realize how much I needed a hug until I was in one's embrace.

Carla cleared her throat and glared at me throughout every second of Wendy's hug. I attempted to clear my throat and rub it in her face, but instead I broke out into another fit of coughing and hacking. I lightly push myself away from Wendy to make sure she didn't get sick; but I'm 110% sure that Hanahaki isn't contagious.

As I continue to step back Wendy attempted to counter my steps and step forward to reach her hand out towards me, but her collar was pulled and held in place by Carla. I could feel the petals rising in my throat causing me to turn and sprint towards the bathroom. I couldn't make it to the toilet so I ended up hunching over the sink and spewing the contents of my throat there. I could hear footsteps getting louder as they came closer to the bathroom. She knocked on the door and called out for me, but I was still hurling into the sink.

"(Y/n)", I heard her voice break, "are you sure you're ok? Do you need anything? Just tell me and I'll get it." She pleaded on the other side of the door. My heart sank at the thought of her crying because of me. I spit out whatever blood rested on my tongue and flush the contents down the toilet. I plaster on the best smile I can (which was painful might I add) and open the door to see Wendy fighting her tears. I sigh and get onto my knees to come face to face with her.

"Wendy it's ok. I'm just a little sick. No biggie." I rasped as I attempted to smile through my itchy throat. "I'm s-sorry Wendy," my voice failed me as it was broken and dry. It croaked amd cracked like squeaky floor boards, "but as you can tell I'm not in the best state right now. Try coming back some other time, ok?" I stated. Would she even want to come back after seeing me in this state? So discusting, sick, and overall unsightly. I wouldn't want to come back if I were her.

"N-no! Why would I want to leave you if you're sick!?" Wendy exclaimed. Her outburst leaving me and Carla startled. "I don't want to leave you
(Y/n)~Chan! I came to see if you wanted to have lunch with Carla and I along with the rest of Team Natsu, but if you're sick then I'll just have to stay here and nurse you back to health!" She exclaims with determination noted in her outburst with a sincere look in her eyes. I noticed Carla's unapproving gaze on Wendy, but she kept her mouth shut.

"So what's wrong with you (Y/n)~Chan?" The younger girl questioned. I opened my mouth to answer, but I was cut off by the looming exceed. "Why are you wearing a scarf indoors?" Carla questions still eyeing my (f/c) scarf. I lightly tug on its tassels to slightly tighten it as I feel her narrowed dark- brown eyes burrow into my being.

"Uh... I have the...flu and... I got hot-n-cold flashes every now and then. Hehe. I chuckle dryly. I knew Carla was definitely not convinced by my little bluff, but I also noticed the slight sparkle in Wendy's chocolatey brown eyes. "Oh! I just learned a spell that can cure that! Ms. Porlyusica just taught me! I-it's not permanent, but it'll definitely make you feel better for the next few hours while it fights off the sickness. I could totally use it on you!" She beamed happily and proud of her newset spell. She beamed with a shimmer of hope in her eyes before her smile drops and is replaced with a now flusted expression accompanied by red cheeks. "B-but only i-if you want to of course." She mutters quietly.

I muster up a pained smile as I just witnessed her mood change. I pondered on the actual idea and asking myself a few lingering questions. 'Will this actually work? Would that mean I'd have a chance to go outside again? W-would I actually get to talk to Natsu again?' I knew that the spell wouldn't get rid of the Hanahaki, but would it somehow minimise it? I don't care anymore. I'll get to go outside for the next few hours and that's all that mattered to me. And the was no way in HELL that I was gonna give this up.

"Let's do it."

//MCTIMESKIP//

"Okay, aaaaannd done." Wendy says with a satisfied sigh as she wiped the sweat that began forming on her brow. I could already feel the difference in my, well everything. My throat was no longer clogged, dry, nor itchy which was the first sign of hope. My chest felt lighter and I could breathe easier. The lingering taste of metal no longer rested in the back of my throat and I didn't how to show my gratitude. So without a word a spang up from my lying position and engulfed Wendy into a sufficating hug and began to pepper her face with light kisses.

"Thank you, thank you, thank you, Thank you!!" I praised in between kisses as I continued to pepper her redden face. "Hehehe~! It was no problem (Y/n)~Chan. Why wouldn't I help you; you're like a big sister to me." She claims through our giggles and my shower of kisses.

Realization struck me as I let Wendy go and rushed to my room and picked up the jeans and t-shirt that lie within arms reach. I hurrily grab a hair-tie and rush to the bathroom with a brush in my cluches. I hastily peel my pajamas away and throw on the outfit while trying to brush my hair into a questionable ponytail. After the assembly I look into the mirror to check-out my 5 second outfit and notice the scarf was still there.

I chose to put it off for a minute or two to actual bask in my new/old appearance. My glowing, healthy, (s/c) skin was back. It was a lot clearer and smoother than I last remember it, but I'm sure as hell not gonna complain. Not only that but the hair that resided in a ponytail was brighter, healthier, and less brittle than it was before. As I basked in my new apperance I couldn't help but let my eyes wander to the (f/c) scarf that lie comfortably around my neck. 'Are the scars gone too?' I pondered before sighing and begin to check under the scarf.

I hesitantly reach for it and slowly unwrap the scarf to see that my once ivory bandages were now overflowing with the amount blood that managed to seep through. I close the bathroom door and ogle at the sight of crimson seeping through the bandages and the other amount staining my scarf. I raise my shaky hands towards the stained cloth on my neck and begin to slowly peel away the crimson bandages. The scars that lie underneath began gushing once they were free from the soaked gauze and the thick liquid began to slowly roll down my neck. I hastily grabbed the nearest cloth and wet it under the sink before I began to carefully yet impatiently dab the cloth along my neck; hissing at all contact.

It didn't take long to clean and disinfect the wounds before wrapping them in a few extra layers of gauze. I threw the bloodied cloth away and put my scarf on my neck again. I sighed before opening the bathroom door once more and meeting Wendy's chocolatey stare. "Are you ok
(Y/n)~Chan? How's the spell holding up?" The young girl questioned. My mind began to immediately block out the negativity that tried to surface once. I grinned and grabbed my housekeys along with Wendy's hand and bolting out of my dorm; leaving Carla to complain for away from my ears range as I heard her angrily slam my door closed.

I couldn't help but chuckle as Wendy and I zoomed down the buildings halls, passing other confused giuldmates in our sprint towards the doors. After we hopped down a few staircases and dodged more confused girls we had finally reached the main hall, and the exit doors were right in our line of vision. I noticed Wendy's hard breathing and heavy footsteps behind me as we began to slow down. As much as I didn't want to, I knew that she was slowing me down. So without a warning I let her go and ignored the thud I heard and continued my pursuit towards the double-doors with the brightest grin plastered on my face. 'It's right there! It's right in front of me! It's so close.' I chant in my head as I was merely a few steps away from my freedom. I hold my arms out in front of my as my hands had finally made contact with the double doors, before I pushed them open.

I was immediately blinded by the mid-afternoon rays and the fresh oxygen that followed it. I froze in my place, only a few feet away from FairyHill's doors. I didn't dare move, in fright of ruining the moment. My eyes fluttered shut as I basked in the warm rays dancing along my skin and the warmth it envolped around my body. Then there came a cool breeze that ran over my skin and through my hair as it passed by, filling my nose with the scent of freshly cut grass. I heard bustling animals that lingered around the flower bushes and basked in the trees shade. I could smell pollen which could only lead me to believe that the marigold bushes had finally bloomed. You'd think that I be sick of smelling flowers by now as the seemed to spew from my throat whenever they felt like it, but not now. I enjoyed the earthy smell the lingured through the air as it brought back many memories of Natsu. I sighed in content and gave the earth my thanks.

"Thank you." I softly muttered to no one in particular. "Well don't thank me now. We haven't even left the dorm's grounds yet." A deep, raspy voice said causing me to jump back a little as I was obviously startled. My eyes begin to dart around to look for the source of the voice. My eyes immediately land on a familiar male with black/navy locks and his adorned white jacket (he actually had clothes on😨). Hearing his voice brought a smile to my face. Gray was no doubt one of my best friends in FairyTail. He was always there for me when I did and didn't need him; I don't know what my life would be without him. He returned my smile and without thinking I charged at him before tackling him to the ground; snaking my arms around his waist and burrying my face in the crook of his neck, inhaling his musky cologne. He hesitated before wrapping his arms around me, pulling me closer than I expected him too. I guess he missed me too. We sit in silence for a moments before I pull away from his neck and give him a closed-eye smile (missing the rosy hue residing on his cheeks) and look into his inky black eyes.

I hear a cough in the distance and turn around to see a smiling Wendy and a panting, dissapproving Carla. I smile towards them and push myself off of Gray, and offer my hand to him (which he gladly takes) and pull him up as we begin to dust ourselves off.

"Why are you so giddy? You've only been outside for merely 5 minutes and you're already pummeling people." Carla snaps in a annoyed tone, obviously dissapproving of my newfound freedom. I release a dry chuckle before scratching my neck and pondering an answer to give her. I open my mouth to answer her, but she cuts me off again, "And why are you still wearing that scarf when it's nearly 90° outside?" Now that she mentioned it, it is really hot outside. I tighten my scarf around my neck and give her an honest answer. "I...uh...s-since I was sick I had a really bad...umm...rash on my neck and I...uh...did'nt want to ruin anyone's appetite once they saw it." I lied through my teeth. If I'm being honest, I don't even know if that made sense. I mean people cover their rashes, don't they?

I noticed Carla's skeptical gaze, as I'm pretty sure that she could smell the lie lingering beneath my scarf, but I quickly changed the subject as she opened her mouth to fire another flaw to my being. "Hey, I thought you said we were going to lunch Wendy!" I say in an attempt to clear the thick atmosphere. I notice Wendy's eyes light up and a bright smile paint across her features. "Oh yeah! Come on guys, no more sitting around! There's this new place called Scrumptious that Team Natsu visited yesterday. Since you were sick we couldn't invite you, but I promise the food there is really, really good!" Wendy says practically jumping up and down.

Team Natsu? As in the whole team will be there?
Natsu

My heart practically skipped a beat just thinking about him. 'I wonder how he's doing. How come he didn't come visit me? Does he not care enough?'

These were only a few thoughts that surfaced in my mind as I thought of the pink-haired pyro. But the one question that made it to the top of my chart was one that had my throat itching at the mere thought of it.

Were he and Lucy still together?

The very thought of that blonde bitch had bile crawling up my throat. My negative train of thoughts were cut off by Gray placing a hand on my shoulder with a smile on his face.
"Hey (N/n), you in there? C'mon, were heading to the restaurant. The rest of the team is gonna meet us there." He says while wrapping an arm around my shoulder. 'The rest of the team?' I pondered. "H-hey Gray. D-do you think Natsu's gonna be there?" I questioned while clearing my throat. Not because I had something to say, but rather I felt the itch trying to come back. I noticed Gray's body tense at my question as we stopped dead in our tracks; he removed his arm from my shoulders and shoved them in his pockets, before taking a few steps forward and turning to face me. He cleared his throat amd muttered a small 'yeah'. It was very loud, but it was only barely audible for my ears only. This had put a small dent in my day.

I didn't want to see him.
I didn't want to see him with her.
I didn't want to see them together.

I didn't want them to see me.
~~

Yeah...uhh...not very confident in this chapter....

And it turned out WAY longer than I thought it would