That dagger was in so deep it was probably piering out on the other side of his soul. Even though his intent was good, he still couldn't shake the guilt. That smile wasn't earned at all. But he didn't have the heart to introduce her to a pain greater than even his when Igneel left. He knew Igneel was alive somewhere. Lucy's dad was now alive only inside her heart. As nice as that sounded it was no substitute for a set of warm loving arms to hold her and treasure her the way only a parent could.

"Damn right. All of us are gonna go back and we'll have some awesome stories to tell them too. Like what happened last night." It was a desperate last minute change of topic before they make their way up the floors to Erza's room.