Fairy Tail: Kyoka Suigetsu

**Cana's Love Interest Is Actually...**

[Through the Veil of Emotion]

I ended up staying overnight at the guild dormitory.

"To be honest, this place isn't bad. The food is good, the environment is clean, the bed is soft, and the room is bigger than I expected. The only problem…" I paused, letting out a weary sigh. "…is the people."

It feels like every day since joining Fairy Tail, I've been sighing nonstop. My once serene, unbothered existence has turned into a circus of endless stress. Is this what growing old feels like? Even during the thousand years of imprisonment, I felt more relaxed than I do now. And yet, here I am, tethered to chaos.

My gaze drifted to the door, another sigh escaping my lips. I had anticipated this the moment I agreed to Makarov's one-sided deal, but a deal's a deal. If I had the choice, I'd set up a tent somewhere remote and lose myself in nature's embrace. But no, these meddling brats would undoubtedly invade my sanctuary without a shred of hesitation.

"How troublesome…"

I shudder at the thought of waking up surrounded by them. The mere idea ruins my mood. If only I could use space magic…

Space magic, with its convenience, would grant me a personal haven. Though it consumes a small amount of magic power, it lasts for months—three at best before depletion. And since my recovery takes just a single day, it would be effortless to maintain indefinitely, so long as I stayed out of combat.

"If only I could use that…" I murmured wistfully, my gaze flicking back to the door.

The blissful rest I had yesterday already feels like a fleeting dream. Today? I don't even want to imagine what's to come. Trouble looms on the horizon, and it's best to deal with it swiftly.

Supervising newcomers? That's the excuse they're using?

I snort at the thought. *Newcomers?* I'm the newcomer here. Yet, I'm more independent than most. Gray's been in the guild for over a year now, and Cana? She's been here since she was six—three whole years.

Newcomers, my ass. This is clearly Makarov's lazy way of unloading his baggage onto me. It's like he couldn't find another way to fulfill their incessant requests, so he shoved the responsibility onto me.

I tidied up my room, storing everything I needed in my personal space. When I was done, I opened the door to find two figures waiting impatiently outside.

"You're finally out!" Gray complained, hands firmly planted on his hips, his tone laced with irritation.

I simply shook my head, taking a moment to examine them properly. Dark circles marred their eyes—obvious signs of exhaustion.

"Did you even sleep?" I asked, my voice carrying a faint edge of incredulity.

They exchanged embarrassed glances, their sheepish expressions answering the question for me.

"Come inside," I said, stepping aside to let them in. "Rest first. It'll be more troublesome if an accident happens later. Besides, without proper rest, how do you expect to make good decisions? Cana, this isn't even your first time taking a quest!"

I didn't bother waiting for their response, launching into a brief tirade. But I held back enough to let them relax without feeling completely scolded.

Cana, being the only girl, claimed my bed without hesitation, while Gray settled for the couch. Honestly, he'd probably be fine sleeping on the floor—he's an Ice Wizard, after all.

*The cold never bothered him anyway.*

**A/N:** So let it go~

Gray's abilities, based on what I've observed, rely on Ice-Make magic. There are two forms: static (inanimate) and dynamic (animated) creations. It's an incredibly versatile style of magic, adaptable to countless situations.

Cana, on the other hand, seems to have a knack for card magic. I've heard she's interested in fortune-telling, though she hasn't exactly shown much proficiency yet. I suspect her heavy drinking is a byproduct of unresolved daddy issues—another layer of complexity to her character.

Strangely, I've never actually seen her indulging in her vices within the guild. Most of the time, she sits quietly, blending into the background. While I often use my magic to sow chaos, I occasionally pay attention to her. Still, nothing about her behavior stands out. She's likely hiding her struggles from me—or perhaps everyone.

Among the Fairy Tail members, Cana is undeniably considered one of the weakest. Her potential has been wasted, squandered on liquor and indifference. If she applied herself, she could rival Gildarts. Her feats in the canon timeline alone prove that much.

But here? All I see is a girl weighed down by expectations and the shadow of what she could become.

No one probably realizes this, but to me, Cana is the strongest in Fairy Tail. If Lucy can summon the Celestial Spirit King, then Cana's ability is no less formidable.

She doesn't need ancient keys or grand incantations. All she has to do is yell, *"Daddy, I need your help!"* and Gildarts would arrive—no matter where, no matter when. For me, that kind of bond, that unwavering reliability, is the strongest ability in Fairy Tail. Even Fairy Law pales in comparison. It's reminiscent of Sakura summoning Naruto whenever she's in trouble.

While I was lost in thought, I suddenly felt a sharp glare piercing my back. I turned around to see Cana peeking from behind the door. The door was only slightly ajar, but her sharp gaze locked onto mine.

"What's wrong? Couldn't sleep?" I asked, tilting my head slightly. "The bed should be clean and comfortable."

She didn't respond, just stared at me with that same look. I wondered if she somehow knew I'd been thinking something rude about her. *A woman's intuition truly is terrifying.*

Shaking the thought off, I patted the couch beside me. "If you can't sleep, come here and sit next to me. Let's talk for a while." My tone was light, almost teasing, but there was something unspoken beneath the surface.

She hesitated for a moment before stepping out from behind the door. Her movements were slow, almost cautious, as though she were trying to read my intentions. Finally, she sat down beside me, close enough that I could catch the faint scent of something floral—her shampoo, maybe. Just as she was beginning to relax, I decided to drop the bomb.

"Cana," I began casually, "since you joined the guild three years ago, you've been drinking, haven't you?"

Her entire body stiffened at my words. "I-I…" she stammered, her usual composure crumbling.

I raised a hand in a placating gesture. "Don't worry. It's not like I have any right to stop you. I just wanted to ask because there's something you should know." I made my tone gentle, but there was an edge of seriousness that made her sit up straighter.

She looked at me with wide eyes, almost like a child caught doing something they weren't supposed to. A flicker of something unreadable passed through her expression—disappointment, perhaps? "Do you remember our promise?" I asked softly.

She nodded, her voice barely a whisper. "If I can defeat you… you'll take off your mask and grant my wish."

"Exactly," I said with a faint smile. Then, I added, "But I don't have much time left."

Her head snapped toward me, her eyes widening. I could feel the shift in her energy—the confusion, the panic. She opened her mouth as if to speak, but no words came. Instead, she clenched her fists tightly, her knuckles white.

"After two years, I plan to head somewhere dangerous," I continued, my voice calm despite the storm brewing in her expression. "I might not make it back alive."

"But… but why?" Her voice cracked, a mixture of desperation and disbelief.

I didn't answer. Instead, I let the silence hang between us, heavy and unyielding. Finally, I spoke again, my tone softer. "That's why… if you can't defeat me in two years, I'm sorry."

Her hand shot out and grabbed my forearm, her grip tightening with every passing second. It was as if she were silently pleading, begging me not to go. For a moment, I thought she might refuse to let go entirely.

I sighed and leaned toward her, wrapping my free arm gently around the back of her head, pulling her closer. Her forehead brushed against my chest, and I rested my chin lightly on top of her hair.

"Cana," I murmured, my voice low but steady, "you have the potential to surpass me. Maybe even rival Gildarts. But you need to stop neglecting your training. If you're strong enough to stop me, then I won't have a reason to leave." I punctuated my words with soft, reassuring pats on her head.

She stayed like that for a moment, unmoving, her breath uneven as she fought to compose herself. I could feel the tension in her frame begin to loosen, but her grip on my arm never wavered.

Gritting her teeth, she finally nodded against my chest. She didn't say anything, but I could sense her resolve solidifying, her determination replacing the confusion and fear from before. In this world, strength is everything. With strength, you can protect the people you care about.

She pulled away slowly, her sharp gaze meeting mine once more, but this time, there was fire in her eyes.

I smiled faintly. *Now she's determined. Though I feel a little bad for using such an underhanded method, it's not wrong.*

After all, I truly do plan to settle that thousand-year grudge. Even if it costs me my life.

Then, without a word, she shifted closer, her body brushing against mine as she hesitated for a moment. I felt the faint tremor of uncertainty in her movements, but before I could say anything, she leaned in, resting her head gently on my shoulder. The warmth of her cheek seeped through the fabric of my shirt as she nestled closer, her breaths soft and rhythmic, barely stirring the air between us.

She didn't stop there. Slowly, she adjusted herself, sliding down until her head rested on my chest, her hand lightly gripping the fabric of my sleeve. The touch was tentative, almost shy, but there was a quiet determination in the way her fingers clung, as though seeking reassurance without the need for words. Her hair brushed against my neck, and her soft scent surrounded me, a faint mix of wildflowers and something uniquely her.

I froze for a moment, unsure of how to respond, but I didn't pull away. I let her settle into me, my body instinctively steadying her as though it had been waiting for this. My hand hovered briefly before I allowed it to rest on her back, not to confine her, but to offer silent support.

She sighed softly, her breath warm against my chest, and I could feel the tension in her body begin to melt away. Her fingers, which had gripped my sleeve so tightly, loosened as sleep gradually overtook her. Yet even in sleep, she didn't let go completely, her hand still resting against me, a quiet testament to her trust.

I glanced down at her, her face serene and unguarded, and a pang of something unfamiliar tightened in my chest. It wasn't guilt or discomfort—it was something deeper, something I couldn't quite name. Her vulnerability in this moment spoke volumes, louder than any words ever could.

The hours passed, the silence broken only by her even breathing and the faint rustle of the trees outside the window. I shifted slightly, careful not to disturb her too abruptly. She stirred, her fingers still loosely clutching my sleeve, and let out a faint murmur as her eyes fluttered open.

She blinked up at me, her gaze still hazy with sleep, but as the events before seemed to register, a faint flush began to creep across her cheeks. Her eyes widened slightly, and she quickly straightened, pulling away from my chest as though suddenly realizing how close we had been.

"I—uh…" she stammered, her hands fiddling with the hem of her shirt as she avoided meeting my gaze. "I must've… fallen asleep…" Her voice was barely above a whisper, tinged with embarrassment.

I leaned back, giving her some space while keeping my tone calm and steady. "You looked like you needed the rest," I said simply, watching as her blush deepened.

Cana glanced away, her fingers brushing through her hair in a nervous attempt to compose herself. "I didn't mean to…" she muttered, her voice trailing off.

"It's fine," I replied, a faint smirk tugging at the corners of my lips. "It's not like you snored or anything."

That earned me a sharp glare, though her flushed cheeks betrayed her flustered state. "I don't snore!" she snapped, her tone defensive, though the embarrassed tilt of her head made it clear she wasn't really upset.

I chuckled softly, rising to my feet. "Come on, we should head to the guild. We've got a long day ahead."

She nodded, still avoiding my eyes as she stood up, smoothing out her clothes in a futile attempt to distract herself from the lingering awkwardness. But as we walked together toward the guild, I caught her sneaking a quick glance in my direction, her cheeks still tinged with pink.

"Cana," I said, breaking the silence. She stiffened slightly, her eyes darting to mine before quickly looking away again.

"Yeah?" she replied, her voice quieter than usual.

"Thanks for trusting me," I said simply, my tone sincere.

She glanced at me again, this time holding my gaze for a moment longer. Her blush deepened, and she quickly looked away, a small, almost shy smile playing on her lips. "Don't read too much into it," she muttered, but the warmth in her voice betrayed her words.

I didn't press the matter further. For now, her silence—and her actions—spoke louder than anything she could say.

I scanned the guild board with a sharp, discerning gaze, Gray standing lazily beside me. He let out a short yawn, stretching his arms as though the weight of the world rested solely on his shoulders. He must've had a good rest.

I shifted my attention back to the board, my fingers brushing lightly over the edges of a few postings as I considered our options. Finally, my eyes landed on a suitable commission.

"Hunting boars. A C-rank quest," I muttered to myself. "Perfect. This will test their teamwork and individual abilities." A small, satisfied smile crept onto my face. "Besides, there's no need to worry about conspiracies this time—the commissioner is well-known and trustworthy."

A mundane quest for once. Perhaps this was my first truly ordinary commission.

Not that I had much experience to draw from—this would be my third quest. But the others? Both were wrapped in layers of hidden agendas and unexpected chaos. A trial by fire, some might say.

I plucked the request from the board and turned to head for the receptionist desk. As I approached, a thought stirred in the back of my mind, an old thread of information woven from hearsay and guild gossip. Some fan fictions I'd once read—yes, even those lingered in my memory—claimed the guild receptionist would one day marry either Wakaba or Macao.

Between the two, Macao seemed more plausible. And speaking of Macao, wasn't he Cana's rumored love interest in those stories?

A faint smirk tugged at my lips as I handed over the commission slip. The receptionist, all smiles and professionalism, exchanged a few words of caution, though her words were hardly necessary.

"This quest is light work," I thought, watching her carefully log the details. Gray and Cana could handle it easily enough—I was just here to supervise.

Still, the memory lingered. Cana had supposedly stopped drinking when Macao asked her to. But after he found a new girlfriend and rejected her, she fell into a deeper spiral of obsession, drowning herself in liquor and heartbreak.

What a tale. Tragic and amusing in its way, yet another reminder of why romance held no appeal for me. Love, so often lauded, was just another weight to carry—one I had no intention of shouldering.

"Lady receptionist," I said, my tone light but firm as I leaned slightly over the counter, breaking the brief silence. "We're taking this one."

Her nod was polite, her advice predictable: "Be cautious."

I merely smiled faintly in return, already confident that this particular commission held no hidden dangers. For once, it seemed, I could breathe easy—this quest wasn't likely to spiral into chaos.

It was nothing more than boars. And yet, something in me couldn't quite shake the anticipation that no matter how simple it seemed, adventure always found a way to surprise me.

After finalizing the quest, I approached the two kids who radiated a palpable excitement, their youthful energy contagious. They had already begun discussing their strategies, their voices animated and brimming with enthusiasm. Smiling faintly, I gestured for them to follow as I led the way out of the guild. 

The journey began uneventfully, the forest path ahead stretching wide and serene. Suddenly, a whimsical thought crossed my mind, and without much consideration, I voiced it. 

"By the way, Cana, do you have any love interests?" 

The question, so abrupt and out of place, startled her. She nearly tripped over a stray rock, her wide eyes darting to Gray, who seemed entirely unfazed, preoccupied with flexing his arm as if testing his strength. Her face flushed a vivid pink, and she quickly turned away, her voice rising an octave. 

"N-no! What are you talking about, idiot? Humph!" she huffed, crossing her arms defensively. 

I suppressed a chuckle, finding her reaction almost painfully transparent. *So, you're interested in Gray, huh? Come on, Cana, at least try to be subtle.* Shaking my head at her amusing display, I shifted my attention to Gray. 

"What about you, Gray? Any romantic interests?" 

Gray blinked, his expression contorting in mild confusion, as though the concept of romance were entirely foreign to him. He furrowed his brows and, with an air of exaggerated pride, proclaimed, "I don't need that! What I need is strength!" To emphasize his point, he flexed his muscles, his tone filled with youthful bravado. 

Poor Cana. I could almost hear her heart shatter into a thousand tiny pieces. I cast her a sidelong glance, noting the way her lips twitched in quiet frustration, and silently offered her my condolences. *An instant rejection. Rough.*

Gray, entirely uninterested in the conversation, let out a loud yawn and stretched his arms. "Romance is pointless." 

Cana's pout deepened, and she turned her attention to the path ahead, clearly disgruntled. Still, I couldn't help but notice the way she occasionally snuck glances at Gray, her cheeks faintly pink. Some things, it seemed, wouldn't change so easily. 

"I couldn't agree more," I replied, clasping Gray's hand in a firm, brotherly handshake. The moment was filled with camaraderie, though I could feel Cana's indignant glare boring into the side of my head. 

And then, with a faint pout still lingering on her lips, she turned the tables. 

"What about you, Suigetsu? Do *you* have any love interests?" 

The question, while simple, carried a hint of mischief, her tone laced with curiosity. I raised a brow, amused at her sudden interest in my personal life. 

"You're curious about me now, huh? Well, not that I mind," I replied smoothly, folding my arms. "The answer is yes… and no." 

Her brows furrowed, confusion overtaking her expression. "Huh? What's that supposed to mean?" 

Before I could explain, her curiosity got the better of her. She leaned in, her eyes sparkling with intrigue. "You mean you have someone? Who is it? Tell me—I'm curious!" 

I tilted my head, amused by her persistence. "Gossiping already? You're still a kid, Cana. Shouldn't you be focused on more important things?" 

She pouted in response, but I relented with a faint sigh. "Yes, I do have someone I'm interested in. But even if I told you, you wouldn't know her. She's not from around here." 

Cana blinked, her curiosity unquenched. "Then why 'no'?" 

"The 'no' is because we're still kids," I explained. "At our age, anything resembling romance is little more than puppy love. When we're older—maybe teenagers—it'll mean more. For now, it's not something worth dwelling on." 

"Puppy love? What's that?" the two asked in unison, their curiosity as sharp as their youthful innocence.

I chuckled softly, shaking my head. "It's just shallow admiration for someone. You—or should I say, kids your age—don't fully grasp the true meaning of love yet."

Cana and Gray furrowed their brows, clearly skeptical. Cana, always the bold one, crossed her arms and raised a brow. "Well, Mister Romantic Expert, care to enlighten us then?" she teased.

"Sure," I replied, glancing at them with a look that was almost too serious for a casual conversation. "Love isn't as simple as just being in a relationship with someone. It comes with responsibility."

"Responsibility?" Cana echoed, tilting her head, while Gray merely frowned, still trying to wrap his mind around my words.

I nodded, my voice quieter now, as if sharing a secret. "Yes. You have to be responsible for one another—supporting each other during tough times, staying unwavering even when things get rough. And most importantly, love must be genuine. It's not about selfish feelings or fleeting moments. It's about growth, trust, and respect."

They looked at me, wide-eyed. For a brief moment, I almost regretted speaking so frankly. The weight of my words was heavy, but sometimes, these things needed to be said. "How do you know so much?" Cana stammered. "Did you read this in some kind of book or something?"

I smiled faintly, a trace of nostalgia coloring my expression. "You could say that," I teased, my tone softening, before adding, "but no, I'm just speaking from experience."

"Wait—experience?" Gray's voice was full of disbelief. "Are you telling us you've been in a relationship before?"

Cana, her cheeks flushing slightly, asked in a higher-pitched voice, "You? In a *relationship*? How old even are you?"

I couldn't help but chuckle at their reactions. "Unbelievable, right? But it's true. You can believe it or not—makes no difference to me."

Their incredulous stares didn't faze me, though. I continued, my tone becoming more serious. "Once you're in a relationship, it's not just about romance. You have to be loyal, faithful, and honest. Temptation will come, and sometimes, life will throw you choices so heavy you'll feel like you're carrying the world. But no matter what, you should never betray the trust of the one you love. There's no greater betrayal."

Cana's face grew somber, her usual bravado melting away. She clenched her fists, clearly understanding the weight behind my words. She knew—she knew who I was referring to, and I knew she hated it.

"Also," I continued, the quiet seriousness settling in, "relationships aren't a one-way street. Both sides have to work together, like the wings of a bird. If only one wing flaps, the bird will never fly—it'll fall. And when a relationship falls apart, it's not just the partners who suffer. If there are children involved…" I trailed off, letting the implications of my words hang in the air.

There was a long silence, broken only by the faint sounds of the world around us. The air seemed heavy now, a quiet reflection passing between us all. Gray's face had softened, but Cana's expression was distant, thoughtful. 

I looked at them both, then added quietly, "That's why it's far too early for you to worry about love. Even adults struggle to get it right. Kids like you…" I glanced at their confused, but curious faces. "…you should focus on growing and discovering yourselves first."

I turned away and began walking toward the station, not looking back. But I could feel their eyes on me, the silence around us more telling than any words could be.

Their questions still hung in the air, unanswered. As I walked, I let myself drift into thoughts I hadn't allowed myself to entertain in a long time. "Kaithleen…" Her name escaped me as a quiet murmur, a name that had once been so familiar, now a ghost in my mind. It was only for me to hear, and yet, the utterance of it felt like something weighty, something I couldn't shake.

How was she doing now? 

The thought lingered for a moment, pulling me back to places I didn't wish to revisit. A small sigh escaped me, but I quickly smothered it. There was no use in dwelling on what could never be.

I glanced at the road ahead and, in that fleeting moment, the feeling of loneliness crept in, subtle but constant. The more you understood, the more you realized how little you truly knew.