Erza's taking a mission at Crime Sorciere, going after the man she thought she always wanted. Is she leaving behind the man she thought she'd always have?
Natsu has friend-zoned himself, leaving Lucy and Lisanna in the lurch. He'd rather avoid them both than risk being a two-timer like Gray.
Gray (not actually a two-timer) just can't seem to catch a break. Maybe he just wasn't meant for romantic happiness. Or maybe it's time for a new direction.
Mira's stuck in the past, unable to accept that Laxus has his sights set elsewhere. Freed's never, never giving up on her, even if that means a broken heart.
Juvia's having second thoughts about Gray, but Lyon's ready to call it quits. Can she get her feelings sorted out in time, or will she be left with nothing?
And Toby's dating Jenny Realight. The Jenny Realight. Wait, what?!

Something's gotta give.

This is the Mazeverse series, a post-Tenrou AU where we put your ships in a blender and beat 'til smooth. Lyvia, Gruvia, Jerza, Grayza, Nalu, Nali, Lolu, Graylu, Bixanna, Gale, ElfEver, Miraxus, Laxana, MiraFreed as well as a handful of crackships and rare-pairs as we try to pair the spares. This is the Mazeverse. No ship is safe ;)

Happy Friday!

I'm super excited to share this story with you. It takes place a few days after the events of Blurred Lines, though this story could stand alone.

All you really need to know for this chapter is that Laxus and Mira have a romantic history. But, as you probably gathered from the blurb up above, Laxus is done, and Mira is not. Thus, angst. And rain.

The title is a reference to a Haruhi Suzumiya episode... the boring one where it's raining. There was something deeply symbolic about it when I picked the name, but for the life of me, I can't remember what! :) Instead of renaming it Rain, or something cliche involving tears and raining, I figured I'd keep the reference and pretend to be cool. Go figure, I'm picking obscurity over the cliche?

(Not that I don't love cliches, too.)

And to my anon reviewer from last week's story, Blurred Lines.

Eve of trimens: Great name, by the way! Thanks for the review. I'm glad you enjoyed it. If you like that sort of stuff, stick around - more to come! :)

- K. Chandler

The drum of rain on the windows stirred up memories. Memories of green eyes and lingering kisses. It was the thrill of loving and being loved in return. It made Mira's heart race.

It was a surprisingly quiet day at the Fairy Tail guild, with many of the more boisterous members away. Yesterday, Natsu had surprised them all by selecting a handful of solo jobs—well, as solo as he could be with Happy around. This morning, Gray had taken Erza to the station for her latest S-Class job. Gajeel hadn't come in at all, probably taking shelter from the rain, at home. Mira wondered if the Iron Dragon-Slayer would get rusty if he got wet.

But Cana had no such qualms about rain, prioritizing a proper drink over anything else. It was barely lunchtime and she was already on her third. Macao and Wakaba, permanent fixtures in the guild hall, hadn't skipped out either. They had grabbed a table in the back, playing cards and squabbling as only old friends could.

Laxus, surprisingly, had also decided to brave the elements and come in today. Maybe it shouldn't have been a surprise, since lightning was his element. Still, he came in so seldom that Mira wasn't expecting to see him. It was a decidedly pleasant surprise that made her stomach flutter in excitement.

She couldn't help but smile as she walked up to his table. "Hey, Lax," she said.

Mira could see the muscles in Laxus' shoulders tense visibly as she approached. "Hey." That was all he said.

Mira had been hoping for more, but she took comfort in old habits. Perhaps what they used to be wasn't so far away.

"Just you today?" she asked. "Where's the rest of your team?"

"We just got back from a job yesterday. I promised the team some time off," he said, still not meeting her eye. "Freed's probably at the library. Ever said she was going to meet up with your brother, but I'm not sure if the weather has her changing her plans. She hates the rain."

"That does sound like them," she said. "What about Bickslow?"

"Bicks? He's probably catching raindrops on his tongue," deadpanned Laxus.

Mira giggled.

"Actually, I don't know what Bicks does in his spare time, but I'm not sure I want to," said Laxus flatly.

"Well, I'm glad you're all back."

Laxus hummed in agreement.

There it was again. Laxus looking past her like she wasn't really there. He'd been avoiding her since he rejoined the guild. And the harder Mira tried to reconnect with him, the more aware she felt of the distance between them.

But that was nothing that a little patience and some communication couldn't solve, right? At least that was what she hoped.

"Hey, Lax, can we talk?" asked Mira, trying again. She was due for a break and today seemed to be a good day to catch up.

Laxus shrugged. "Go ahead."

"Not here. Out back," she said. Maybe being out of sight would make Laxus more comfortable.

Finally, he looked at her, green eyes sending a shiver of delight down her spine. "You know it's pouring out, right?" he asked, frowning.

"When has that ever stopped us?" she asked coyly, gazing up at him through her lashes.

A look of surprise flashed across Laxus' features. Then he pinched his eyes shut, his expression almost a wince.

Had she gone too far? "I mean if you don't want to…" she added quickly.

Laxus heaved a sigh, dragging a weary hand across his face. And for a moment, Mira thought he wouldn't agree, but he relented with a slow nod.

"…Okay," he said, softly, rising to follow her. "Let's talk."

Rain ran cold down her back and bare arms. Mira couldn't help but be reminded of more pleasant rain-drenched memories. She'd give anything to get back to those simpler times.

"Just like old times," she said with forced cheerfulness.

Laxus' lips were pressed together in a thin line. "Is that really what you think?" he asked finally.

"…No," she admitted. Things weren't the same. She knew that. "But I want them to be," she said. "I want to be with you again."

The words were out before she could stop them, her deepest desires bubbling to the surface.

Laxus took a startled step backwards. "Mira, please," he said. "Don't do this."

"Why do you keep pushing me away? I just want things to go back to the way they used to be. Lax, I… I miss you," she whispered.

He was silent for a long while before he responded. "I miss you too," he said softly, his voice seeming to catch in his throat.

"Yeah? So that means that we can—"

Laxus cut her off, shaking his head.

"But why?" she asked.

"Mira, we were just kids back then," he said. She could barely hear his voice over the roar of the storm.

"That's not important, is it? I still care about you, Lax. I love you."

"Please. Please, don't," begged Laxus, shaking his head. "Look, I care about you too—"

She knew he still cared about her! At least, she had hoped… but now she knew for sure.

"Then we can still make it work," insisted Mira. Desperation crept into her voice.

"I can't. I'm sorry," he breathed. "I care about you too, and I don't want to hurt you," he said grimly.

"Lax…" Mira shook her head rapidly, biting her lip. "I don't understand," she choked.

This wasn't how things were supposed to go. This wasn't what she wanted at all! She wanted another chance. She wanted to be with him again. Back to the way they used to be. Back when it was just him and her and nothing else mattered. She didn't want to lose him.

"I'm… I'm not the person you want me to be," Laxus sighed, the action shaking his burly frame.

"Yes, you are! You're still the same Laxus." Why couldn't he see that?

"No, I'm not."

Mira's eyes widened. Was he still feeling guilty about betraying the guild? "Is this about… before?" she asked. "You're a good person, Lax. Everyone knows it. You've more than earned your place back at the guild."

"I know. I've put that behind me," said Laxus. "While I… regret my choices, that's in the past now. I mean, if that's all it was…" he shrugged.

"Then what?"

Laxus shook his head again. "Mira. You're…" he paused as he struggled to find the words. "You're not the same girl I fell in love with. You're different now. You've changed."

"But…" Mira flinched, her breaths coming in short, painful gasps. "Lax… Lax, no. You don't mean that."

"And I've changed too," he interjected. "We've both grown up. That's not a bad thing," he said, his tone surprisingly gentle.

"But… I still love you…" she whispered.

Laxus swallowed hard, his eyes dull and lifeless. "I'm not him. The me that fell in love with you doesn't exist anymore," he said bluntly, chin dropping to his chest in defeat.

Mira blinked, a chill seeping into her bones. She hugged her arms around herself.

"It's over, Mira. It's done. Accept it. Please," he said, his voice weary. "Please understand."

Laxus' words sent Mira to her knees, the wet muck seeping into her dress. Hot tears trailed down her cheeks.

It was over?

It was over…

It was over.

Laxus fell to his knees beside her, his face crumpling with emotion. Mira felt his strong arms wrapping around her shoulders, pulling her against his broad chest. He rocked her gently, stroking her hair.

"I'm sorry," he whispered, his voice catching in his throat. "I'm so, so sorry."

She never thought it would end up like this. They had been so right, so perfect, so happy.

Where had they gone wrong?

This would be the last time they'd be like this. The last time he'd hold her. And part of her knew it, even if she wasn't ready to accept it just yet.

"Lax…" she whimpered. "I'll always love you," she said, her voice whisper soft.

But she could hear the pain in his voice as he responded.

"I wish you wouldn't," he choked out.

It was really over.

Mirajane wasn't sure if her heart would ever feel whole again.

Poor Mira... and poor Laxus. The guy's trying his best.

If you liked this chapter (or want the backstory), hit up our profile and check out the companion piece Can't Catch Lightning. It's angst, just like this, but that one has a touch of fluffy sweetness - there's a first kiss there! ;)

But this story is a two-shot, so there's only one more chapter.

Next time, in [Mazeverse] Someday in the Rain, another almost-couple says goodbye: He loved her. She had to know that, didn't she? Grayza fans, it's your turn. Here's a little angst for you!

Stop back next Friday for the final installment, or just follow me, Karine of R011ingThunder.