You wake up to the beautiful evening sun shining through the open window still. You had obviously passed out and now you were in your room. You felt awfully well after resting up.
Still you had conflicted feelings on Master's treatment of the members. No one said anything back, in fact it seems like they all agreed with him. You knew Rufus did. You wondered whether you actually even had any friends here. It pained you to think of that way.
The door opened and Rufus came in with a bowl of soup.
"Oh you're finally awake." He gave you a subtle nod which you returned. It really pained you, seeing your once best friend acting all distant. Yet somehow it felt right that he was the one coming in. Not Rogue or Yukino. Him.
"We'll be leaving for Crocus in two days [F/N].How are you feeling?"
"Gee, I feel incredible after getting slammed onto a wall." You glared at him. He sighed.
"Look [F/N], I understand you not agreeing to Sabertooth's methods but it's necessary for us to keep our position as the No.1 Guild in Fiore."
"Necessary. It's not 'necessary' to terrorise the guild members. A guild is supposed to be a home. You'll understand that during this year's Games, Rufus."
"What do you mean [F/N]??"
"I've got a gut feeling that this year's Games are going to be interesting."
*****
Crocus, the flower blooming capital. It suited the descriptions. It was a beautiful city. But too many flowers for your taste. The Sabertooth team registered and we had got into our inn for the games. We went through the rules and found that the team members had to get back at the inn by midnight. That left a day to explore Crocus.
"So we'll meet back at the inn by 11.30 latest. Is that fine?" Rogue asked.
"Sweet. That will give us enough and more time to explore the city."
Rogue, Sting and their exceeds set out together while you along with Yukino,Rufus and Orga went out to explore.
Yukino dragged you into practically all flower shops showing you yellow poppies, violet roses and what not. Finally you decided to tell her your hatred of flowers.
"Why [F/N] I thought everyone liked flowers."Yukino was surprised.
"Their pretty much useless and disgusting. Now I know you love flowers but I just can't stand the smell. I'm going on my own to find a place in this town where there are NO flowers."
"Okay. Meet you back in the guild then." Yukino said at the same time as Rufus spoke up."It's not wise to split up in this big city, I'll come with you. "
Orga winked in your direction. While you gave him a grin of your own.
"Okay."
Now you were walking around the big town with Rufus by your side. A lot of people were staring at you. You first thought you had something on your face but then you realised they were staring at YOU. OH! you should have taken your cloak. But it was back in the inn.
But you felt an arm snake around your waist. Frankly you were shocked. Rufus refused to meet your eyes. He was too busy glaring daggers at any guy who dared to eye-rape you. You turned away, swallowing back an unmistakable grin.
*****
Both of you made it back to the inn a bit early.
"Thank you for the help earlier."
"I had to make sure our reserve member was safe and sound."
Yeah sure.
"Oh my god. I cannot believe we ran into Natsu Dragneel" you heard the whiny voice of a certain dragon slayer.
You turned and saw Sting and Rogue along with their exceeds. Frosch ran and hugged you .You swear you combusted in a overload of cuteness right there. Sting was recounting their encounter with Natsu. You would have been excited at that but you had Frosch by your side.
You were too busy laughing and playing with Frosch to notice that the story telling was over and three boys were staring at you.
"What? Frosch is the so cute." you finally said rubbing Frosch's adorable frog suit.
"Fro thinks so too." You were laughing and giggling at that.
"Hey! What about me?" Lector shouted.
"yes yes you too Lector" you said childishly.
"What about me?!?!" you totally forgot about a very childish White dragon slayer. You grinned at him.
"Sting is not cute. He's very hot." Sting was laughing at you while you pantomimed fainting. Now Rogue was trying to hold back a smile.
"Fro thinks so too. [F/N]-chan then what about Rogue and Rufus?"
"Oh Frosch! Rogue is even better than Sting." You said clutching your heart. "Rufus is just a big meanie."you pouted at Frosch. Frosch patted your head sadly, "Fro thinks so too~~"
"We think so too." Orga and Yukino walked in just then.
"Hey!!" Rufus shouted while the rest of you burst out laughing. It was times like these that you absolutely loved these guys. But sadly it never lasted long.
It struck twelve.
"Welcome everyone to the preliminary round of the Grand magic games." Suddenly your inn lifted up into the sky. As you all rushed to the balcony you saw that all inn's were in the same condition.
"The competitors from each guild follow the steps into the Preliminary round."
A white staircase led from the balcony to a humongous you-have-no-idea-what. A maze you reckon.
"Ready guys?" you asked turning around. Since reserve members aren't technically in the team only the main five are allowed.
"Wait for us in that best podium." Sting said stepping on.
"Of course." Rogue followed.
"See you later." Yukino hugged you.
"Sit tight. We'll come in the first place" Orga winked before going on.
Rufus came up and held your hand."Meanie will be back soon."
You smiled at that."I'll be waiting."
You cheered as the Sabertooth ran up the stairs. As much as the Master terrorised the guild, you loved them. Deep down you knew they were good guys but only misdirected.
You smiled to yourself before going on to rest up. You were going to be waiting for them in that podium welcoming them.

YOU ARE READING
A Mere Memory [Rufus Lore x Reader]
Fanfiction[F/N][L/N]. A second generation dragon slayer. She's searching for a lost friend of hers . Now she stands in front of the Sabertooth guild. Will she finally find her friend? Or does fate tests her yet again? What does the future have in store for...