Beast of a Hero
Ch. 2
The Strauss family, along with Lucy and Happy had gone to the guild together. Lucy was in Elfman's arm, carrying her do to her overused lungs from the fire. They knew that it would take days for the smoke to get out of her lungs and bloodstream. She just needs to rest for the most part.
Lucky for them, the day was still early in the day. To where only the master was there, along with Laxus at the bar. Talking over about some paperwork. Since they like to help themselves with the drinks in the early hours before the guild opened.
The two turned to the doors, after hearing them open. It was when they noticed that something was wrong. Seeing that Lucy and Happy were with the take-over mages. Which none of the two had seen before.
"Blondie," Laxus stood up, making his way towards the woman in the other man's arms. "Why do you smell like sulfur and smoke?"
Lucy glanced up towards Elfman with sad eyes. She gave him a nod, before laying her head back on his shoulder.
Elfman took a deep breath before saying, "Natsu destroyed her apartment last night…" It was then he went into detail. On what he had witnessed from the night before. "She's been staying at our place ever since. She's already seen, Wendy…"
Laxus nodded, he turned towards his grandfather. "What do you think gramps…? I for one, think it's about time that we do something about Natsu."
Makarov nodded, "I agree…" He closed his eyes, taking a deep breath. He opened his eyes for a moment. "But I want the guild's intake on what to do...we need the full support on this one."
Elfman sighed, "We should go somewhere, where Lucy could rest before the guild shows up."
"Yes...," Makarov gave a sad look towards the blonde woman. "Go and use my office, she can lay on the couch that I have in there…"
Elfman carried Lucy up the stairs to the first far door, where he knew to be the master's office. When he closed the door behind him. He was a bit worried about leaving Lucy, but he wasn't going to force his presence upon her.
Lucy; who was still in his arms, asked, "Please...stay…"
He knew that he would do that for her. Knowing that he was still worried about her breathing. So he laid down on the couch, where Lucy laid upon him, laying her head against his heart. Like she had done the night before.
Elfman had noticed since Lucy had been...wedge into his life. His beasts have been quite focused on her. They were restless as if they knew that the fire had something to do with her. Then the moment that she was in his arms, all he felt was the overprotective need to be with her. 'I need to talk to my beasts...about this...feeling that they have...for her.'
After a few minutes of just hearing her breathe. He was enjoying the soft sounds of where he fighting to close his eyes. But found that he couldn't fight it anymore. Not when his beasts were...quiet for once. Almost being lured by the sound of Lucy.
After a few hours, the door to the master's office had opened. Which caused Elfman to wake up from a start, to see Laxus looming over him. He noticed the Lightning Dragon Slayer's stormy eyes, studying him.
"What," grumbled Elfman. Trying to keep Lucy in place, before sitting up.
The blonde male glared at the man before him. "Enjoyed...your beauty sleep?"
The massive takeover mage laughed, "Like I need any more beauty as it is." He glanced down towards Lucy, who looked like she was waking up. "Sorry to wake up Lucy. But it looks like we are being summoned."
She glanced towards the only Dryer in the room. "Hey, Sparks," her voice sounded raspy. Which neither knew if it was from the smoke or from the sleep.
"Come Blondie…" Laxus' eyes became sad. "The guild has gathered and want to see you...to see that you're alright."
Lucy gave a small nod but laid her head against Elfman's shoulder again. Not really wanting to see everyone...not wanting to see their pity. Even though it had been less than twenty-four hours. She has been finding it...comforting that she was enjoying to be in his arms. She just couldn't understand why. She almost believed it was because of her father...who had pushed her away after her mother's death.
She felt the sway of movement as Elfman carried her out of the office. Knowing that he would take her...to where people could see for themselves. How weak she really was. Once she was near where the master was talking to everyone. It was also when she heard gasps and mummers of all the mumbles bellow.
"Bunny Girl," gasped the only person she knew. The one person who had hurt her before was sounding so broken. Just by saying the only nickname that he was allowed to say. "Salamander will pay for this!" His anger comforted her, knowing that the Iron Dragon Slayer was on her side. Even after so many years after Phantom Lord…
"Lulu," gasped her female best friend. Causing Lucy to glance up to see the worried look from the blue-haired bookworm. It was also when she saw the rest of the guild, looking pale for her.
"You didn't know that the guild carried, did you?" Elfman had grumbled softly to her. Even though he knew that the Dragon Slayers would hear. But he really didn't care, she didn't reassurance. "You've been known as the guild's 'light' for so long. You thought it was just a nickname…" He allowed a soft chuckle to leave his lips. "Oh, Lucy. What thoughts have you been thinking?"
Gray yelled from his spot at the table with Erza. "Lucy! Why didn't you come to my place or even Erza's?! You know our doors are always open to you!"
Lucy's eyes glanced towards her teammates, seeing the hurt and the pain in their eyes. "Sorry," she gasped out. Causing her to cough. It was when the guild knew that whatever they were told, was true. "Please...forgive me...but I wasn't...available to talk...much…"
Elfman growled, he had gotten everyone's attention. Seeing his eyes had flashed for them to listen. "Now that you know for yourselves how bad it is." His focus was to everyone that knew that would cause a problem later. "But you can see for yourselves that she's not well enough to talk...just know what you've heard was the truth. I was there to save her life...just know that we almost lost her and be glad that she's still here."
It was then he saw that everyone was calming down. Knowing that what he was saying was sinking in. "Now...I advised that you leave Lucy alone! She needs time to rest...and that means NO stress!" His eyes raked from all over the room. "Do you think your petty fights are going to help her...it's not! For the time being...she will be staying with my families...along with Happy."
"Happy," everyone glanced over towards the blue cat. Who was sitting at the bar, with his head down. Erza made her way towards the cat with sadness in her eyes. "Tell us, Happy."
He glanced up with tears in his eyes. "It's true," his voice high pitched. "Natsu...did this to Lucy! All because he thought he wanted...her!"
"What do you mean," growled Gajeel, as he was walking towards the bar. "Us Dragon Slayers know that Lucy isn't his mate...what's causing him to act this way?"
"That's true," Happy spoke weakly. "Said that no one is his mate...not until he finds Igneel first." He shook his head. "You're right, Lucy isn't his mate."
Gajeel growled, "Just like a little kid…" He glanced towards Lucy with sorrow in his eyes. "If he finds something that he wants and knows it isn't his. He'll take it, to where no one else will have it."
Lucy's tears leaked out of her eyes. She knew after hearing Happy and Lisanna talk that morning about such things. But after hearing it from a Dragon Slayer had made that much real. She leaned back into Elfman. A part of her had wished she hadn't met Natsu...but someone else from Fairy Tail instead.
"Bring her down Elfman…" Gajeel waved for the massive man to come down. "She'll sit in my corner, where it will be quiet. Between the two of us...we can make her comfortable."
"Like hell you're not," Gray spoke up with anger. "She's our teammate...we should be allowed to protect her."
"Enough," gasped Lucy, as she was trying to breathe. It was enough to get everyone's attention. "You weren't there...Gray!" She was coughing as she was trying to breathe. "I need something...more than...you or Erza!" She pushed herself out of Elfman's arms to where she landed on the floor, coughing. Trying to find her air. It was just painful… "NO...more...fighting," she managed to gasp out.
"Lucy," whispered Elfman with worry. He rubbed her back, hoping it would be enough to get her lungs to work again. "You need to calm down." He glanced up towards Gray with heat in his eyes. "As for everyone else...stop causing her stress. She's had enough as it is."
Once he saw that Lucy had stopped coughing as much as she was. He picked her back up and carried her down the stairs to the far corner that Gajeel was talking about. Once he went to get into a seat, he places her between him and Gajeel. But she was leaning onto to him, to where he could wrap an arm around her.
Happy came flying over to their table and sat before Lucy, with sad eyes. Moments later Mira came over with a sad smile. "What would you like, Lucy?"
"Water flavored strawberry and kiwi, please?"
Mira gave a thought, "What about a slushy?"
"I would like that," stated Lucy with a smile. "It might help my throat."
Mira than glanced towards the others.
"Metal," stated Gajeel with his usual gruff.
"Tea," stated Elfman with a smile.
Happy glanced towards Mira with a smile. "Milk."
After Mira left to get the orders. Erza, Gray, and Levy made their way over to the table. Gajeel growled as he had gotten up. "I wasn't kidding about not allowing anyone to sit with her...not until she's well enough to talk."
"Even me, Gajeel," asked Levy with worry in her voice.
"Yes, Shrimp. Even you," he stated with finally in his voice.
Erza gave a deep sigh. She glanced towards Gray with her own authority look. "Gajeel speaks true, Gray. We should give her the time to rest...so she can talk to us on her own." She glanced towards the Iron Dragon Slayer and the male Takeover mage with heat in her eyes. "But if something happens to her, under your watch. Let it be known, you'll be skinned alive." To make her point across, she brought out one of her swords to show them she met business.
The two men nodded their understanding. Before Erza grabbed Gray and Levy with her. Knowing that they would need to be distracted while Lucy was in the guild.
"Thanks, Gajeel," whispered Lucy softly. Knowing that he would be able to hear her.
"Don't think nothin' of it Bunny," he gave her a worried look. He took a deep breath. "I have to ask though...what drove him over the edge?"
The blonde shook her head, "I don't know...I just told him to leave my home." She closed her eyes. "I guess from Happy...this has been going on...for a long time."
"Bunny," Gajeel wanted to get her attention. When he saw her brown eyes on him, he gave her a toothy smile. "I want to claim you as my kin. Which means an honor to us Dragon Slayers, when we find ourselves with those that we want as family."
"You mean," she asked with a smile on her face. "You want me to be...your sister?"
Elfman gave a smile of his own. He knew that the Iron Slayer had some feelings for the Celestial Mage. But was kind of worried about what those feelings were. He was only happy to know that it was only on the sibling side.
"Yeah," the raven-haired mage laughed. "Which will make me, your big bad brother." He chuckled at his own bad joke. "That way, I can scare off all the bad raff of...suitors?"
Lucy laughed, as she was trying to breathe. She was enjoying this side of Gajeel. The side that wanted to protect her. Her eyes sparkled in her enjoyment. "I didn't know you knew about suitors...Gajeel."
"Gihi," he laughed. "I had...some help." He glanced towards Levy. "Don't tell Shrimp, but I have been listening to her as she reads…"
Elfman chuckled as well. "Wow, who knew that the Iron Slayer would learn something." His blue eyes sparkled, as he was showing that he met no harm. "But to be honest...it's manly of you to get Lucy to be your kin, Gajeel."
"Thanks," grumbled the raven-haired male. "But to be honest...I wasn't expecting you to hero away Lucy like you did. Knowing that her teammates would skin anyone alive to do it for them."
"Sadly," stated the Takeover mage with worry in his eyes. "I was just in the right place and right time…" He shook his head. "I didn't see anyone else from Fairy Tail. I just happened to be there for her."
"I'm glad," stated Lucy, Horsley. "Otherwise, I wouldn't be here." At that moment Mira came back with their orders. After Lucy had taken her drink, she gave a smile. "Thanks, Mira."
"Anytime, Lucy." She glanced around the guild for a moment. "But I think you should do something...outside of the guild." She gave them a worried. "I don't think everyone is pleased to see you...with them."
Lucy nodded, she glanced down towards her drink. "Yeah...I kind of gotten the...point of that." She took another drink of her slushy. "This is helping…"
"I'm glad," Mira then glanced towards Elfman. "Be careful, little brother."
He gave a nod of his own. Before she moved away from the table. Elfman glanced around the guild. "But she has a point...we should leave soon."
Gajeel nodded, "We could go to the lake...which is outside of Magnolia." Lucy's eyes sparkled after hearing about the lake. "We could go there and allow things to blow over."
Lucy was glad that she had at least a couple of people to lean on. She wouldn't know what to do if she had to face it all on her own. As she was finishing her drink, a small blue haired Dragon Slayer came to their table with a happy smile on her face.
"Hi Lucy, how are you feeling today?"
"Hard to breathe, Wendy," stated the blonde woman with a sad smile. "Otherwise, not as much pain as I was...before passing out."
"Oh, that would because of me...I don't know if anyone told you, but I can rushing over last night." She glanced down as she looked, shy and out of place. "I'm sorry I couldn't do more than heal the first, second, and few third-degree burns from last night…"
"I...wow. No one told me that I had burns," stated Lucy with worry in her voice.
Elfman grumbled, "I remember smelling burnt flesh last night. But I didn't think much of it, I was more focused on getting you away from the fire…"
Wendy glanced around, seeing that she looked uncomfortable. "Elfman, can you bring her upstairs? I would like to see how she's healing."
"Sure, no problem. It's manly to help a woman in need," he stated gruffly. As he had gotten out of the chair and picked Lucy up, she lightly whacked him on the shoulder. "Hey, cool it. I didn't mean that you were a helpless damsel or anything...just wanted to lighten the mood."
"Sorry," she gave a sheepish look, as her cheeks became pink. "It's kind of habit I'm going to break since I always hit Natsu all the time. When he makes snide comments…"
"Just remember, I'm not the pink-haired tyrant." Elfman gave a grin, seeing Lucy cuddle next to his shoulder. He carried her up to the infirmary, where he noticed that Gajeel and Laxus had followed them into the room. After he laid Lucy down, he gave both of the males a glare.
Wendy giggled softly, "Don't worry Elfman. I believed that Gajeel had already told you about him wanting to be Lucy's kin, right?" When he nodded, she went on. "Well, the same goes for Laxus and I. We want to form a kinship with Lucy as well. With the added protection of kinship with more than one Dragon Slayer. By law, no other Dragon Slayer could harm her."
"Really," he asked, as he sat in a chair next to Lucy. He had a thoughtful look on his face. "Is there anything else I should know…?"
Gajeel chuckled darkly, "I may have some insight about your...beasts."
Elfman saw the glint in his dark red eyes, it nearly made him uncomfortable. "Well, what is it?"
"First, answer some questions for me." When Elfman nodded, Gajeel went on. "On the night of the fire, were your beasts uneasy. Even before you knew about the fire?" Elfman nodded again. "Did those beasts stop becoming uneasy, after you had Bunny in your arms?"
Elfman leaned back in his chair. He knew that everyone was looking at him. He really had to think about the night before. His beasts were very restless before he knew about the fire. Then they became...almost deadly if he had to be honest. Nearly wanted to take over his body...just so they could...save Lucy.
Someone must have flashed in his eyes because Gajeel gave a knowing look. "I thought so…" He chuckled before he glanced towards the other Dragon Slayers in the room. "You two got the same conclusion as I have?"
"I think it's wonderful," stated Wendy with her high-pitched airy giddiness. It caused shivers to run down Elfman's back because he really didn't know what they were on about. "Having a mate is the best thing in life."
"What," gasped Lucy and Elfman, neither one of them knew how to take the information.
Laxus sighed, seeing that he was uncomfortable about explaining the notion to them. "Blondie, you do understand the concept of slayers having mates, don't you?"
"Yes," she gave a sad smile. "It's ingrained into their magic that they took from their dragons. It's the one thing that would keep their magic from going out of hand… Why do you ask?"
Gajeel smirked, "Well, just like us slayers. This big guy here," he waved his hand towards Elfman. "His beasts have a way to be calm as well...labeling you as their mate…."
Lucy, true to her calming nature glanced towards Elfman with a thoughtful look. "All of your forms," her voice asked in agreement sounding way.
He couldn't help it, but smile at her warm-heartfulness that she holds in her hands. "Apparently," he stated softly. He had wondered at one point if these beasts would ever calm down. He never thought about the concept of mates or soulmates. It wasn't because he thought about romance or anything. But because of the dense understanding of beasts in general.
'I should have done a lot of reading on the beasts I've collected. It would have given me a vast understanding of them...at least.' Elfman mentally shook his head. 'I could have at least as Levy or Freed for help...then just train to understand them. By gaining control over them.' He nearly felt bad about not truly and admire the beasts he had collected. Since their souls are collected into his body to use, whenever he needed them.
Gajeel leaned against a wall, crossing his arms over his chest. "It looks like we've found a key...to what could end up being the best thing...in all of this." He then glanced towards Laxus with a raised eyebrow. "Before Bunny leaves the room, we should mark her as kin…"
The blonde male nodded, "We should...we don't want another issue with Natsu. At least...not for a while at least." He glanced at the dark-haired male. "Would it through him off?"
"At least for a couple of days," Gajeel glanced out the nearest window. "At least until Bunny is strong enough to face him again.."
Laxus chuckled, "It's a good thing that Mira had asked Freed to rune the house." He chuckled as he shook his head. "She didn't want unwanted guests to come in, whenever they wanted." He gave a thoughtful look. "Freed never told me why she needed it though."
"It was because people were trying to break in," Elfman gave hard glare. "Ever since she had gotten Sorcerer Weekly, we had people breaking in to get someone off of Mira's…" He quivered. "She was angry for days...not liking people just think they rights to her. Just because she had photos in a magazine."
Wendy walked closer to Lucy with a bright smile. "Alright, Lucy. Let's see how well you're healing…" She placed her hands on the blonde woman, allowing her magic to do their work. After a moment, Wendy stepped back lowering her hands. "I'm pleased to note that your burns are all healed, but your lungs are going to be a while. There is nothing I can do to help with that...it will be a few days of you being away from smoke to get them to heal on their own."
The blonde Celestial Mage gave a small smile. "Thanks, Wendy." She pulled herself into a sitting position to face the small slayer. "Don't worry about it. I know that you've done all that you can. But I'm glad that I don't have any burns. I really can't imagine sleeping what that going on as well."
Wendy then glanced towards Elfman with a raised eyebrow. "How has she been sleeping?"
"I had to shake her to get her breathing a few times during the night. Other than that, nothing else to report," Elfman stated calmly. Even though he really didn't feel all that calm. Sure, his beasts weren't acting up, which caused him to feel a bit concerned.
Wendy asked with hope in her eyes, "Are you ready for your kinship, Lucy?"
"What does that imply, can you explain this to me. Since I've never heard that dragons or even slayer claiming anyone as kin before."
Elfman was glad to have Lucy asked that question because he was worried to voice it was a hint of a threat. Since the claim had stirred his beasts, in all the wrong ways. But he knew enough about slayers because of what he'd seen. He just needed to know what he's getting himself into. Knowing that his beasts wouldn't allow Lucy out of his life, not when he knew that she was...in an essence his mate.
Gajeel smiled, "Well if we were to claim a mate…" Elfman's eyes glared towards the raven-haired slayer. Causing him to gulp. "We would have had...exchange fluids to claim a mate, as we bite into your neck or hip. But since we're talking about kinship," he has a shrug. "We'll need to nick your shoulder with one tooth."
"So…," Lucy gave a thoughtful look. After she had gotten over the crude understanding of full mating aspect. "You just need to scratch my shoulder...with one of your teeth. Does that mean you have to drink my blood or something?"
"Just a lick," stated Gajeel with a grin. "Our saliva will heal it…"
"Oh, okay…" She gave a thoughtful look, as she taps her chin with her finger. "What does that do?"
Wendy picked up at that point with a smile. "Our sent is embedded into the scare that we made. Meaning no matter how much you wash or time has passed. Our sent will still be with you. Providing the protection you'll need as you go through life."
"So...this is kind of the concept of blood brothers/sisters. Where one will cut their hand and exchange blood with one another…?"
Laxus smirk, "See, you understand the concept." His stormy eyes flash with a spark of happiness. Which was uncanny to see the Lightning Slayer be so. Since everyone had seen him either serious or grumpy.
Elfman sighed, "Okay. I understand the kinship thing…" Seeing that bright smile on Lucy's face. He wasn't going to deny her want to be such with the three slayers in the room. "But can you...go back to the mate thing?"
Gajeel gave a knowing look, as his eyes darkened. "Well, you heard what Dragon Slayers have to do when claiming a mate?" When Elfman nodded, he looked uncomfortable with all the talk of claiming. "It's the same concept with you...since dragons are another form of beasts. Just more ancient of creatures…"
Elfman shivered, he never had thought in all of his years of living that he would have to act...such crudely. Knowing that he may...have to claim Lucy as his mate. But he knew that he will act manly first. Since he would have to be the one to live with the face. Which means...he'll woo her first and see how it goes from there. Since her presence alone was enough to calm him.
Lucy gave him a small smile. She must have seen his uneasiness since she reached out and took his hand in both of hers. He could feel her pulse on her wrists. It was when that Elfman knew that she was uncomfortable as well. Causing him to have a small smile on his lips, as well.
Wendy gave a small cough, "We should mark you now before you leave. We don't want Natsu to cause any more problems...at least not until you have the energy to talk to him...that is."
Lucy nodded her head, giving them permission to do what they believed was right. It had taken about five minutes, for each slayer to mark Lucy as kin. Because they needed to calm themselves down when the smelled her blood. Which they found out that slayers, just as much as dragons, had found it a...pleasurable thing to experience.
During the whole ordeal, Elfman had to calm his beasts each time. Wanting to knock himself out until the whole thing was over. His beasts had found Lucy's blood to be addicting. Not just because of it being blood, since he's been around so many of them that it never caused a problem before.
It was because of Lucy's unique blood, like spiced vanilla. A heavenly smell of spice of some kind. And seeing the two males having their mouths on her body. It really didn't help him one bit. Even when he knew that all they were don't was making her kin to them.
Once all the kinship marking was done. Elfman rushed towards Lucy and placed her in his arms. Keeping the little woman next to him. Allowing her sent to calm his beasts down. Knowing that none of the Dragon Slayer males had claimed her more than just kin.
Gajeel chuckled darkly, "Don't worry...she's all yours." He glanced towards the other two slayers with a grin. "We're going to take Bunny out of the guild for most of the day. I'm taking them somewhere to relax. She needs time away from stress...just encase Salamander shows up."
Laxus nodded, "Good idea." He gave a thoughtful look. "Where are you taking them?"
"The lake near your house," stated Gajeel with a knowing look. "The one you don't want anyone to come close to. Since it is that close to your house. I was hoping I can use that knowledge to through pink menace off."
The blonde slayer nodded. "Good idea…" He glanced towards the couple for a moment. "Enjoy your time out there...if you want to use the lake again. You can…"
Elfman gave a respectful nod. "Thank...Laxus." He turned away from the Lightning Slayer and followed the Iron Slayer out of the room and the guild. Knowing that he needed to be guided to where he needed to go.
He was only too happy to noticed that no one from the guild had noticed they had left. Except for Mira, there was nothing that gets past her. Even her own little brother.
When the three of them had gotten to the secluded lake. Lucy grabbed her keyring before placing her hand on one of the keys. A moment later, her spirit maid became known. Holding two swim trunks in her hands.
The pink-haired maid gave a cheeky grin before throwing a black swim trunk to Gajeel. Before handing a dark blue one to Elfman. "I'll take care of princess, while the two of you...get dressed." The maid took Lucy out of his arms, making him miss the comfort of having the blonde woman close. She then turned, carrying Lucy from view.
Once everyone was dressed, Vergo had carried Lucy back to the edge of the lake. Where Elfman was waiting for them. It was when he noticed that Lucy was in a one-piece swimsuit, which he had never seen her wear before. It was a midnight blue with specks of white and yellow, which could only mean stars. He took the blonde back to his arms again, before seeing the maid flashed away.
"Come on...princess," purred Elfman in low tones. Even though he knew Gajeel could hear him. But was pleased to see a blush on Lucy's cheeks. "Let's get you to the water."
Gajeel sat in the shadow area of the lake, enjoying a good cool down. While Elfman waded out away from shore, carrying Lucy in his arms. When they had gotten deep enough, he laid Lucy out on the surface before letting her go. After seeing that she could float on her own.
He dived under the water, allowing his beasts' souls to enjoy the calmness of the water. He swam a bit of way before coming back to Lucy. Where swam under her, then flipped onto his back before allowing himself to float to the surface. When he opened his eyes, he saw that Lucy was hovering over his chest as he was floating along below her.
She rolled herself over, to where she was no longer floating but laying on his chest. Almost reminding him of how the slept...the night before. Her brown eyes found his blue ones, seeing her looking at him, was causing him to fight back a purr. He was enjoying her attention that she has on him.
"What's on your mind," he asked in a husky sounding voice. It surprised him, Elfman was never one for such things. It nearly scared him, seeing a different side of himself. Even though, it was also pleasing to know that he had another side of himself.
"What forms do you have?"
Elfman gulped, he didn't know what to say. Other than his sisters, no one has ever asked before. "Why do you want to know," he asked. Fighting back the sense of his insecurities.
"Just want to know…," her eyelashes flickered. "...what kind of beasts...enjoy my company?"
Gajeel, which Elfman could hear laughing. He glanced towards the dark-haired mage towards shore, who was not trying to look at them. Elfman could also see that he was trying not to laugh. It was when he knew it was because of Lucy that was causing him to laugh.
Elfman turned his head to where he focused on Lucy and saw her pout at him. 'She either knows what she's doing to get what she wants? Or...she's too innocent to know what was doing...to a man.' He was fighting off a groan. "Why do you ask?"
The blonde shrugged, "Maybe I want to know my protectors are. At least I know that you're one of them…" Her brown eyes, it was the brown eyes that were causing him to know. That she was truly innocent of what she was doing.
"I guess I can't fault you for wanting to know," stated Elfman with a smirk on his lips. "But I need to reach out with my mind...to see which ones." When he had gotten a nod from her, he closed his eyes to see if any of them would reach back on his inquiry. "Well, that's interesting," after he found out what was reaching back to him. In all honesty, it scared him of what he found out.
"What is it," she asked with a slight worry in her voice.
"I can understand my weretiger, having a thing for you." His lips smirked, feeling his eyes giving her a knowing look. "But to also have my main beast and lizardman to like you as well… I have to say...that is something...new."
"What do you mean, Elfman." Lucy pulled herself up, to where she was able to look into his eyes. "Help me understand," her eyes pleaded with him. He knew then...he would never dein her for anything.
"The main beast...was the one that nearly killed Lisanna. It hates humans," he stated camly. He wanted her to understand, how rare it was for any of his beasts to like anyone. "I was never to master it...not until Mira was endangered with Phantom Lord… Even after then, I would hardly use it."
"And...the lizardman?"
Elfman smiled, "As long as I don't look focus or get mad. I really don't use it, unless I'm faced with a no-win scenario…" He chuckled after seeing a worried look from Lucy. "Meaning, if I don't to kill anyone. I just turn into him and allow them to wreak havoc at their hands by trying to harm me."
"Wow," she breathed out in wonder. "No wonder you don't anything for granted." She then smiled softly. "And the weretiger? To be honest, I've seen it a few times and I would have thought it looked more like a leopard."
Elfman laughed, he never remembered a time that he had laughed so much in a day. Not even before Lisanna had gone missing. "I thought so too…" Once his laugh calmed down, he smiled. "But after looking it up one day...it stated in black and white. It was a weretiger."
He gave a sigh, "As much as I want to stay out here. We should start heading back...we should have lunch soon." He saw the unhappy look in her eyes. "I promise we'll come out here...again." He hated to see her sad.
She gave a small nod before he helped her out of the lake. Then her maid came back and helped Lucy to get dressed again. While they were gone, Gajeel turned to Elfman with a thoughtful look.
"Which one of your beasts wanted to kill me and Spark Plug?"
Elfman chuckled, giving the slayer a dark look. "Do you really want to know," his beast sounding grumble came out of him.
Gajeel gave him a thoughtful look. "I guess I can live the fact of knowing that you'll protect her." He shook his head, as he walks off towards some bushes. "Just know...she has two big bad brothers on your ass if something goes wrong."
"Wouldn't dream of it," stated the man with a few beasts in his soul.
Once everyone was done getting dressed. They headed back to the guild. Where everyone sat around...being quiet. Which was a hard concept to witness such a thing like a...packed but quiet guild.
The three sat down at the back corner. Where they found Happy and Pantherlily sitting and talking to one another. They turned to the humans that sat with them, giving them a smile. "Enjoyed your...relaxing day," asked Pantherlily with a smirk on his lips.
"As enjoyable as playing lookout for my sister," stated Gajeel with a dull tone. But his eyes told another story. Stating that he would do it again. Knowing that he was helping to keep Lucy safe.
"So you guys did the kinship," asked Lily. He glanced at Lucy with sadness in his eyes. "I'm sorry you had to through something bad, just to have some good things in your life."
"Don't worry about it," stated Lucy in a small, calm voice. Elfman noticed her breathing was better, but seeing that she didn't want to overdo it. "Sadly...it's part of life. But at least I got two brothers and a sister." She took a deep breath before glancing towards Elfman with a smile. "Along with a boyfriend...I don't know what else...I could ever ask for."
Gajeel laughed, his red eyes sparkling like he knew a secret. "Well...sis." It was odd hearing something like that from the rugged/bad boy slayer. If Elfman had said, he was the worst of them all. "You won't lack for nothing...when it comes to us, kin-shipped slayers."
Lucy quivered after Gajeel's stated and his near purr of her being his sister. It was something she had always wanted...to be apart of something bigger than herself. She had always wanted a big family. She hated growing up...all alone like she had. It was heartbreaking.
She enjoyed her day with Elfman. She saw apart of them...that she had never imagined. A soft, kinder side to someone...who wasn't his sisters. She could actually picture a life with him. In a far-off future, but still. She could see one.
'The way he sees me, with those blue eyes. I could get lost. They reminded me of the sky before one stepped closer to space. Knowing my night sky was just a breath away. Just by getting lost in his eyes.' She bit her lips. Trying to ground her thoughts from getting more lost than what they were.
Happy made his way to her, holding onto one of her hands. "How are you feeling, Lucy?" A part of her was getting tired of the same questions. But she knew that they mean well. Especially after seeing the worry in his eyes.
"I'm fine, Happy." She was trying not to have her heart broken. As she saw his lips quivering, knowing he was having a hard time with everything. She opened up her arms from him and he fell into her. "It's alright," she raked her fingers through his fur. "Whatever happens Happy, you'll be right beside me…"
"Really," he asked softly. Making her believe that he was a small child. Making sure that at least one of his parents still wanting him.
Lucy felt Elfman wrapping his arm around her, bringing her into him. While he wrapped his other arm to include Happy, bringing both of them to lean on him. "Really, Happy." His voice vibrated across her body, vibrating into her soul. "Wherever we go, you go too."
She felt a blush making its way across her cheeks. Feeling them heat up. She glanced around and noticed that everyone was paying attention to what they were saying. Which made her feel uneasy. But then again, she never felt totally uneasy when it came to uplifting a friend. 'Happy has always been there for me...even during the times I had a hard time understanding things…'
Lucy seemed to have been out of it. Since she didn't see Mira coming to their table. "What can get you guys," she asked with her light bubbly self.
"Meed and meet," stated Gajeel with as much calmness that anyone could ask for.
Lucy smiled softly, "I'll take a fish sandwich, with sweet potato fries and a slushy that I had, earlier."
Elfman groaned as he looked like he was thinking of something. "Meed, steak and sweet potato fries."
Mira gave her brother a raised eyebrow. "You want sweet potato fries," she asked. She gave a loving smile. "I'm happy to hear it…" She glanced at the two cats before her. She pointed towards Happy, "Fish and a side of cream." She then pointed towards Lily, "Kiwi with a kiwi slushy."
"Yes please," stated the two cats at once. Each one of them smiled about their orders.
"Coming right up," stated Mira before walking away.
Elfman and Lucy had let go of Happy, knowing he was feeling better. At least at the moment. Knowing it was going to take time. Lucy was enjoying the heat that was radiating off of Elfman. She didn't know if it was because of their swim in the lake. Or it was because of her healing from the burns from the night before. Which could cause the body to become colder.
Gajeel glanced at the couple. "You know...you're going to be the talk of the guild. At least for the time being." His smirk pulled at one side of his mouth. "The guild as a whole had believed that you would end up with Salamander, Bunny."
Lucy shook her head, closed her eyes. "He has no ounce of control in that body of his." Her eyes opened and believed that they were full of heat. Since she saw a few people flinch when they saw her eyes. "I mean...he was a good friend. Back...before this nightmare." She shook her head, "I really didn't see what those people had thought they had seen."
"To be honest, Bunny," Gajeel's voice had become deep scratch, almost rugged like how he looked. "I had believed, before joining Fairy Tail. That the two of you would end up together. Especially how you kept saving your little ass, all the time!"
The guild had chuckled at hearing Gajeel's statement. It was true that the guild had believed Natsu and her...but she never saw it. She mainly saw him...as a little annoying brother that everyone complains about. The kind of best friend that she had thought she needed.
"Nope," making the 'p' a popping sound. "Never really thought of him that way." She took a deep breath, enjoying the clean air after the swim had caused. "Dreams come and go, but true love lost forever," she whispered out. "Something my mom would say," she trailed off. Knowing she was lost in her own thoughts. Not carrying what's going on around her.
'Mom, I wish you were here. I would love to hear your voice again, especially when it comes to the heart. I would have liked you have met, Elfman. He seems the kind of guy that even Dad would like to have met. Just seeing Elfman with muscles might please Dad to know that I'm protected.
'Oh Mom, what I'm going to do with Natsu? My best friend. The one, who had brought me to Fairy Tail. I wish father had explained to me...why I shouldn't dress the way I wanted. I might have listened….' A few tears left her eyes, as she thought about her parents. She almost would do anything...even if it met to be yelled at her father again.
'I just wanted your happiness for me…'
