Two: Intrusion


The second he and Juvia set foot at Fairy Tail two days after they came back from their mission, a thunderstorm was about to split the sky open once again because of Laxus' foul mood; thunderclouds as black as smoke were rapidly gathering around Magnolia – he was glad he took to Juvia's natural power to affect the weather, because that actually took him some training – and looked menacing. Though his trip with his woman had been very relaxing (the more interesting and torrid parts, that is), the idiots back at the guild were absolutely intent in getting on his last nerve.

"Yo, Laxus!" Cana shouted, holding her glass of booze high in the air as the buxom Card mage strolled towards him. "How did you manage to snag Juvia? Is it even serious between you two? You know Gray isn't going to like it once he'll see you feeling her up, right?"

Laxus scowled at the drunkard. Did she have to ask so many personal questions? It wasn't like Laxus owed her anything at all, and she was even preventing him from drinking his own beverage. Hell, had he known that the announcement of their couple would cause such a ruckus, he'd have struck the paparazzis who took the pictures from the beach with powerful lightning. And as for Fullbuster?

"Stripper missed his chance, things happened, now we're together. End of," he shot down without further details, raising his glass to his lips to take a good sip.

But as he feared, Cana wasn't one to back down. "Does she like to bottom?" she asked teasingly, almost purring with a leering smirk.

If she likes to... Laxus just about choked on his booze. Cana leaned in on her seat, her smirk wide. Bickslow stared at his leader in interest, his own smirk widening with all the juicy information that was bound to come out one day. The next second, thunder roared outside and shook the whole guild as Laxus' glare intensified.

"What the hell, Cana? If you weren't Juv's friend, you'd be fried meat this instant. And you!" he growled in Bickslow's way, whose shoulders were shaking in not so silent laughter. Laxus considered frying him like bacon, just because of the glint he knew was there in his concealed eyes. "You're enjoying this, aren't you?"

"Let's just say that I might have spotted someone with blue hair, the sexiest legs ever and wearing one of your shirts inside your house one day. Whoa, whoa, easy man!" he exclaimed with a nervous laugh when Laxus slammed his tankard on the table a bit too hard, cracking the wood a little in the middle. "It was just from outside the window, chill!"

"And that ain't gonna save your ass, Bicks," Laxus ground out, snarling at his friend. Lightning bolts danced around his face, making him more intimidating as he glowered at Bickslow. "You of all people should know how I like my privacy and spying on my woman is crossing a line. I don't think Juvia will appreciate your prying either, Cana."

Cana's eyes were practically glowing with excitement and mischief as she waved his statement. "C'mon, I could just ask her. I'm sure she won't refuse me answers when I can just trick her into telling me. Let me just get the right alcohol..."

Oh, he definitely remembered that: about a month ago, Laxus had the unpleasant surprise of learning that Juvia couldn't handle her liquor and once she was in her drunken state, she'd just either spout anything about herself to anyone who would ask a question (take advantage of her state) or just go downright into one hell of a foul mood and flood the damn guild. That is, if she hadn't levelled the sky with one thunderstorm first. And Juvia had in fact flooded the damn guild. So far, Gajeel had handled surprisingly well and took to himself to carry her to Fairy Hills after calming her down – the Gods knew how, because his woman was a terrifying fighter when you knew how to push her buttons. Finding out that Juvia couldn't handle alcohol had now become something Laxus hated.

Of course Cana would try such under-handed method to have her answers.

"Oh no, hell no," Laxus growled as he teleported himself in a powerful blast of lightning, flying straight to Juvia's apartment just as Cana was bursting out of the doors.

The rest of the guild stared after their drunkard, who wasn't showing any signs of stopping, with expressions of uncertitude and nervousness. She was even running very fast towards Fairy Hills, as Juvia had wanted to take a day off. Needless to say, it had been a close one for everyone; Laxus being private about his business was one thing, but they actually hadn't expected him to be overall... possessive and protective about Juvia, which pretty much confirmed that his romance with her was deadly serious. He had practically snarled at Bickslow and could have nearly bit his head off.

Lisanna was the first to snap out of her stunned state. "W-well, this was... enlightening?" she said, unsure with the word to use.

"Revealing, I'd rather say," Gajeel grumbled from his table. He didn't look too grouchy today, maybe a bit disappointed that Juvia hadn't shown up to put her man in his place. He munched on a spoon, his red eyes trailed on the open doors. "You're lucky to still be in one piece, Bickslow, because the lightning bastard would be after your blood if you'd seen them mating. He seems quite the possessive and protective type, which will suit Sprinkler. If I were you, I'd steer clear from his path for a few days and not try to provoke him. Just a bit of advice if you still want to live, either way I don't really care," he finished with a snort, ignoring Bickslow's middle finger.

"I wonder when they actually got together, I've never seen them interact that much," Levy said out loud next to the Dragon Slayer, frowning as she tried to remember when was the last time she'd seen Laxus and Juvia together. "Maybe they were being quiet because they don't like the attention?"

"If so, then this must have been going on for a while," Lily added from his spot on the table, waiting for his food to cool off. "Judging by the way Laxus reacted, he and Juvia must be a really solid couple with real feelings. Though I'm happy for both of them, I can't help but wonder how Gray will take the news."

Everyone but Gajeel shared a worried glance. Right, right, there was also Gray in the equation; the Ice mage's relationship with Juvia had been rather hesitant and amusing for a while, but no one had missed how closer they'd actually become over the years. Especially Mirajane, who had hoped that they'd finally start dating after he confessed how the Water mage had sacrificed her life so he could live. If that wasn't a proof of love, then she didn't know what could convince him furthermore of her devotion. Still, that didn't explain how the foul-tempered Lightning mage managed to get Juvia.

How the hell did he do that? When had their sweet Water mage, who'd been head over heels for Gray for so long, really moved on with Laxus of all people? Because the pictures didn't lie, the territorial behaviour he'd displayed a few minutes ago was so obvious and all they needed to really confirm their fears was Juvia's behaviour toward him. Gajeel had first been very hesitant when he'd caught a whiff of his best friend's scent all over Laxus one day, and he absolutely didn't even know how to react – he had sort of got used to Gray, had even kind of accepted the idea of the stripper as a mate for Juvia, but Laxus Dreyar? The most foul-tempered bastard he'd ever met, who was on another level than the stripper or even Dragneel? Gajeel couldn't believe it.

Lily was right. This must have been going on for a while. In fact, it might even have started before the stripper and the others from Team Natsu left for the Hundred-Years Quest. And he hadn't fucking known until up just a few weeks ago.

"Shrimp, Lily, let's go!" Gajeel barked as he shot up from his seat, stalking outside without waiting for them. "Let's go visit Sprinkler and her leviathan of a man."

Levy had to practically jog to catch up to him with Lily flying above her head with his meal, both surprised. "Huh? But why?"

He snarled. "Like Cana said, we need answers. I need answers." Ain't leaving until I got them.


Juvia chuckled in amusement as she watched Laxus plop down next to her on the sofa with a loud groan of annoyance, a hand over his eyes and a grimace on his face. While she'd been in the midst of changing her bed sheets, he'd suddenly appeared in her living-room in a loud, blast of lightning and told her to come with him in a commanding tone. Laxus had looked downright pissed, with lightning bolts dancing around his body, and though Juvia had wanted to ask if he was alright, she knew better. So she'd just jogged to him, let him take her in his arms, and he'd teleported them back into the safety of his apartment.

Apparently, Cana was so overjoyed and excited for gossip that she wanted to get Juvia drunk – with the right alcohol – in order to collect all the details about their relationship. So it's that weird for them, the Water mage thought as she puffed out her cheeks in mild irritation. While they weren't snooping around, thank you for that, the fact that she and Laxus were now official shouldn't be that shocking... should it?

Juvia fiddled with the green sash wrapped around her blue daisy dukes, then crawled until she was sitting on his lap. She cradled his face in her hands, stroking the smooth skin, and waited patiently until he decided to look at her. He did so after a few seconds of calming down, looking up at her with a scowl. Irritation was visible in those grey eyes of his.

"That was bound to happen, no matter what," Juvia said with a small smile. "You even said it yourself, Laxus-sama: 'Those idiots are bound to find out, any way!'" She repeated, mimicking Laxus' voice the best she could, even going as far as adopting his expression at the time.

That earned her a snort, which was a start. "You suck at mimicking me, Blueberry, but the expression was brilliant," he joked, snickering when Juvia puffed out her cheeks and crossed her arms under her heavy breasts. Laxus wrapped his around her waist, pulling her flush into his muscled chest with a frustrated sigh. "Looks like I completely underestimated those idiots' reaction to us being official, as Cana is now on the hunt for personal details and shit, and there's probably more on the way. Fucking pests," he grumbled in her neck. "Scrap-Head might want a confrontation with me, now that I think about it. Does he want to be mummified in bandages for three weeks?"

"Don't you dare," Juvia warned firmly, raising a brow when Laxus met her expression with a challenging smirk of his own. They glared playfully at each other for a few seconds until he suddenly caught her lips with his quick reflexes in a soul-devouring kiss. She reacted instantly, returning his kiss passionately with a moan of pleasure as she nearly melt in his arms, but pulled away reluctantly before it went too far. She took a shaky breath, already worked up. "E-even so, us getting together would certainly raise a lot of questions – especially me about my feelings for Gray."

"Which are non-existent, either way," Laxus drawled absently in her neck, his warm hands sneaking underneath her sleeveless top and up her waist. His teeth ran along her skin, now flawless after the hickeys he'd left had vanished. "He's not even a blip on the radar."

Juvia giggled, trying to swat his hands away. "We already know that for a fact, but everyone still wants to know what actually made give up on him and what I saw in you to... mmh... choose you. And Gajeel, well, here's to hoping he won't murder you in your sleep?"

"Right," Laxus deadpanned, sinking his teeth into Juvia's collarbone. The hum she gave pleased him. "Because he's actually strong enough to go on one-on-one with me now. Sure, he'll be able to land some blows but I'd trample him any time. Scrap-Head better level up then."

Annoyed at the useless cloth, he fisted his hands on it and finally ripped Juvia's top apart, earning him a shocked gasp that turned into a low moan of pleasure when his mouth closed on one nipple. She shivered and bit her lips, tangling her fingers into Laxus' blonde hair as he played with her chest. Pleasure ripped through her body like wildfire, sending her ablaze, and made her instantly forget about the ordeal they were probably about to go through with their friends – because nothing could stop Cana when she wanted answers. She kissed Laxus passionately, cupping his cheek tenderly, and he kissed back with a low rumble in his throat, pulling her flush against him with one hand grabbing her ass.

"Bed, bed," she whispered urgently against his lips while she was tugging at his blouse.

He bit her lips with a wicked smirk. "Not in the living-room like last time?" he teased her, but still got up from his seat with Juvia in his arms and made his way towards his bedroom.

One would think that Laxus Dreyar wouldn't forget that some of their friends might be on their way to ask questions about his relationship with Juvia Lockser, and that he'd be getting ready to answer (throw their asses out and fry them with lightning), not about to have an intercourse with his girlfriend. Being cockblocked was a great bitch for someone like him with his sex-drive.

The door of his apartment flew open, slamming into the wall, and revealed an irate Iron Dragon Slayer, a sheepish Script mage and an Exceed who looked absolutely done with all this shit. And at that moment, everyone suddenly froze on the spot: Laxus and Juvia turned towards the unnannouced guests with a look of utter shock plastered on their faces, having paused in their hot make-out session, Gajeel's irate expression froze as his red eyes widened comically and his mouth hung open, Levy turned beet red and started to stammer out rushed out apologies when she noticed Juvia's state of disarray (namely her generous breasts pressed against his exposed, powerful chest) and Lily could only put his paws over his ears with a sweatdrop on the side of his head and an apologetic look in his eyes, anticipating his partner's reaction.

Ain't that the most fucked up thing that could happen? Cockblock was a great bitch! This isn't happening, this isn't happening, Laxus' mind chanted frantically as he stared at the three intruders in shock.

It didn't take that long for him to snap. The thunderbolt roared loudly in the distance as rage and murder replaced Laxus' previous expression of shock in less than a second. A vein even appeared on his temple.

"Get the fuck outta here, idiot!" he yelled angrily as Juvia turned into her water body, escaped her man's arms and rushed into the bedroom in her watery form. "Learn to fucking knock next time!"

It made Gajeel snap out of his trance and the Dragon Slayer snarled back. "You get your fucking hands off her, bastard!" he yelled back, nearly throwing himself at Laxus. "Molesting my best friend just warranted your death!"

But Laxus was already charging, his arm laced with deadly lightning.


Juvia, now wearing one of Laxus' oversized shirts, took a huge breath, and opened her eyes to glare at both her boyfriend and best friend – whom she'd imprisoned in water locks, but that didn't stop them from sending death glares to each other. Levy stood right behind her, peering over her shoulder with a concerned look, and Lily had taken a spot on top of Juvia's head, looking just annoyed at the ordeal. Needless to say, Laxus and Gajeel had time to land blows on each other, mess up the damn living-room before the Water mage stepped out to deal with them, along with Lily.

"What on earth, Gajeel-kun?" Juvia demanded as soon as she released them both from her watery prison. "Couldn't you knock? I know your manners aren't the best but this was downright... offending!"

"Completely!" Levy agreed from her hiding spot, scowling at her boyfriend.

Gajeel coughed up some water before his eyes snapped up at her. "Don't care, because you need to tell me what the hell happened between you two so I can break his spine," he barked. "Starting with the crotch."

"Keep digging your grave, Scrap-Head," Laxus snarled, pinning the Dragon Slayer with a death glare. He was still tense and in a fighting stance, ready to pounce once more. "First, you barge in someone's apartment without an invitation, then you expect us to tell you about our relationship when it doesn't even concern you? Fucking forget it."

"What? You're talking about my best friend, bastard! The first one I'd call my family before anyone else, of course I'm entitled to know everything about her life and have an opinion about it!" Gajeel pointed a finger at him, glaring. "And I'll be damned before I let something, anything, happen to Juvia, so fuck the hell off!"

Though she was still riled up, Juvia felt her anger cool off as she processed his words. Hearing that Gajeel would instantly have her back no matter made her feel warm and secure, as this was something a protective big brother would do for a younger sibling; their relationship had always been so brotherly and special – unique – that she wouldn't even dare trade it for the world. Gajeel always told her everything whenever he'd sneak into her apartment to crash, so why wouldn't she tell him about Laxus?

Damn, now she felt guilty for being a crappy best friend. Talk about being close.

Shifting on her feet, Juvia bit her lip in shame and looked down. "Actually, yes," she started in a dejected tone, drawing all eyes on her. She wrapped her arms around herself, her longer bangs shielding her eyes. "We do owe you an explanation... I'm sorry I didn't tell you sooner, because... because Laxus-sama made me feel so wanted and loved that I wanted to keep it for myself, at least for a while..."

Her lips started to quiver. The chilling atmosphere that had settled in the room instantly lifted, with the two alpha males now looking surprised and tense at Juvia's sudden change of mood. Worse, the tone she'd employed totally defused Gajeel's anger because he recognised this mood – his Sprinkler, despite the fact that he wasn't really angry at her (maybe a little), felt so guilty of omission that she was about to –

"S-Sprinkler...," he started softly, taking two steps towards her with his hands raised.

Juvia sobbed, her head thrown back. Tears were streaming down her pale cheeks just as the sky followed suit, rain falling hard into a loud downpour. Too much. Too much guilt in less than one minute because she knew she'd been a shitty friend to her closest, the one she considered like a brother. Alarmed, Levy drew Juvia into a big hug as she tried to calm her down with kind words, while Lily was both stroking her hair in a soothing manner and shooting Laxus and Gajeel accusing glares.

The Lightning mage gritted his teeth in irritation, his grey eyes flashing in barely restrained anger. "You just had to make her cry, did you?" he growled, feeling a nasty headache creeping in. "This is all your fault, Scrap-Head."

"Can it, bastard," Gajeel snapped back, though his voice had lost its fire as he was now looking away. He looked... ashamed of himself. He heaved a deep, frustrated sigh.

"Your choice of words was very unpleasant, Gajeel," Lily cut in coldly. "Why you would say that Laxus was molesting Juvia when she's obviously in this relationship of her own volition is beyond me. You should apologise this instant before she decides to flood our apartment in revenge."

Levy scowled at Gajeel, leading Juvia toward the sofa so they could sit down. Gajeel groaned, ticked off and feeling shitty all of a sudden. Now the situation was clearly fucked up, with Sprinkler going all emotional on him because she felt like a crappy friend when he only wanted reassurement from her that she was alright with the lightning bastard. Because really, this was Laxus I'll be fucked Dreyar and they were an item? Gajeel had every right to be worried sick. He went to plop down in one of the comfy chairs of the messed up living-room, a hand over his eyes. Grumbling curses, the Lightning mage went to retrieve towels from his bathroom. He threw one at Gajeel and used the other to dry himself off – no use getting sick while he wanted to hole up in his house with Juvia and have those pests gone.

Laxus, still pissed off that they'd been so rudely interrupted, stalked forward and sat down on Juvia's left with a frustrated sigh. He put a hand on her thigh and stroked it gently, seeking to ease her sensitive nerves. "Hey, Blueberry," he whispered to her ears, though he had no doubt that Gajeel could hear him. "You're gonna flood the apartment if you keep crying."

"Really, Laxus?" Levy deadpanned, shooting him an unimpressed glare with a sweatdrop on the side of her head.

To her surprise, Juvia snorted a watery giggle and covered Laxus' hand on her thigh with her own, lacing their fingers together. She rubbed her eyes and sighed, leaning back with a tight smile. Her blue eyes were red and a bit puffy, but she was smiling a little now – it was a start. The downpour was also lessening a little in intensity, which was relieving to hear. Laxus smirked in triumph and cockily towards Levy, who was looking at them with a baffled expression, and let his girlfriend snuggle his side.

"I'm not completely tone deaf, pipsqueak. I know how to talk to my woman and ease her worries, just like right now," he said lightly, his hand falling on Juvia's cerulean hair to stroke the longer bangs out of her face. His gaze softened considerably when it surveyed the Water mage, to which Levy and Gajeel openly gawked at. When he saw their speechless expressions, Laxus blinked at them blankly. "What?"

"Let's just say that this is a highly unusual display of affection from you, Laxus," Lily answered for the other two nitwits, jumping nimbly onto the low table. He crossed his arms and sat, looking at the couple with a calm gaze. "That's most... unexpected."

Ah, most certainly. Maybe this was a consequence of dating Juvia Lockser, but Laxus found that he actually didn't mind at all; he was fussed over whenever he'd get back from an exhausting mission when he used to get himself some booze and takeout, which was a very nice change since Juvia's cooking was amazing. If she wasn't at his house, Laxus would just teleport himself to hers and stay over because he always felt at peace with Juvia in his presence. Or he'd just drag her back to his apartment, not caring if she was in the middle of a shower or cleaning her place – even though it was usually spotless. So yeah, changes were rather nice in a healthy relationship.

"Well, can't really complain because life has been really good ever since we got together. The only thing I do get to complain about is the damn cockblock," he hissed, shooting a nasty glare in Gajeel's direction. Red eyes narrowed dangerously when the blonde's glare almost got dangerous. "Don't look at me like that, Juvia and I have been a couple for over two months, of course we'd have sex."

Juvia hid her face into Laxus' chest to conceal the furious blush, mumbling something unintelligibly. "Ever heard of TMI, lightning-for-brains?!" Gajeel barked.

"Alright, alright, this is getting out of hand," Levy said loudly, pinching the bridge of her nose. She counted to three before looking at all of them with her best stern face. "So, huh... we came here –"

"Barged in here," Laxus corrected, annoyed.

" – barged in here because Gajeel wanted to catch up with Juvia following the newest edition of the Sorcerer Magazine about your relationship. Mind you, he has no secret intention of trying anything suspicious," she said that with a warning glance towards her secret boyfriend, who rolled his eyes with a grumble. "and just needs reassurement because he feels like he's been left in the dark. Juvia, if you want to tell us...?"

Said Water mage lifted her head from her man's chest, pulling her long, toned legs against her own and sighed in resignation. She had positively calmed down now, as the previous sadness was now gone from her blue eyes. "Fine, fine. What... do you want to know?" Her eyes looked to Gajeel.

"When and how did... this... start?" he demanded, crossing his arms.

Juvia blinked at him, but answered truthfully nonetheless. "Over a year ago," she said simply.

The other couple gawked at them, eyes comically wide as they traded stunned looks before staring at Laxus for confirmation, who rolled his eyes in annoyance before nodding.

"B-but that means... you started seeing each other when Fairy Tail disbanded?" Levy stammered, shaking her head in astonishment.

The Lightning mage cocked his head, his expression serious. "I wouldn't call it 'seeing each other'. We hooked up because we both needed the release; we used each other, idiot," he sighed tiredly at Gajeel's warning growl. "Juvia and I were messed up at the aftermath of the battle against Tartaros, one thing led to another and... well, it just happened, OK? No need to get mad."

"Of course I've got the right to be mad, that's seriously fucked up!" Gajeel nearly exploded, shooting up from his seat and pointing an accusing finger at Laxus. "Did you even know how messed up she was after her fight against that skeleton priest? Did you know what she's done to end up in that state?"

"Gajeel-kun!" Juvia protested hotly, scowling at her closest friend. She put a hand on Laxus' chest before he could get up as well. "He knows, I told him! I couldn't hide anything from him when we were starting to get the hang of our relationship, so I started confiding in him too." She sighed as she sat back down, leaning back on the sofa. "Laxus helped me in so many ways that Gray couldn't, and I'm grateful to him. So I helped him as well..."

Gajeel blinked blankly. He was silent for a few seconds as he mulled this over before he found his tongue. "So you had sex with him instead of the Stripper. I'll be damned, because I never knew this kind of activity would actually help you forget your ordeal. Why didn't you come to me so you could lash out? I could have helped..."

Juvia shot him an apologetic look. "I... didn't find you first," she said sheepishly, looking away with a cute blush when Laxus wrapped a protective arm around her shoulders.

"I did," he said without any hint of smugness in his voice – so unusual, but it wasn't the time for fucking jokes. "And no, I didn't take advantage of her fragile mental state, Juvia agreed to have sex with me because she was about to have a goddamn breakdown in the middle of Magnolia. So was I," he admitted through gritted teeth, closing his eyes in shame and anger. He silently thanked his girlfriend for the support as she squeezed his larger hand in hers. When he opened his eyes again, he stared directly at Gajeel with a serious look. "At first we used each other that day, then we parted ways. She followed Fullbuster, I went to Blue Pegasus with the Thunder God Tribe."

"Laxus and I both agreed that it would remain as it was back then – a moment. But after Fairy Tail was brought back together, we didn't expect to be actually drawn to each other even after being separated for a year. Gray had something to do with that, to be perfectly honest." Laxus' disdainful snort made Juvia glance at him uncomfortably, knowing just how pissed off he'd been when she revealed the details of her sordid year with the Ice mage. "After his undercover mission in Avatar, I just... couldn't bring myself to be around him for some time because I was upset. I truly was."

Levy's expression grew sympathetic, and she patted Juvia's shoulder. "But it didn't make it okay, did it?" she asked, and Juvia's angry expression grew to one of complete indifference. Levy had to plant her nails deep into her palm to not flinch at how much her emotional friend looked like her boyfriend at his instant. "Did he at least apologise?"

"Hn," was the indifferent answer from the Water mage. She laced her fingers with Laxus', smiling softly. "It stopped mattering a while ago after Laxus reignited the spark – and I'm glad he did," she whispered lovingly, looking up at him.

"Yeah, yeah, yeah," Gajeel cut in, trying hard not to gag at the small display in front of his eyes. "Point is, you managed to hide this from me for some time until I caught a whiff of your scent on Lightning-dude. I almost freaked out, Juv, because there was no freaking way you'd do something with someone else when you had the stripping bastard... but I seriously didn't consider that you'd actually move on." He pinned her with a serious, penetrating look. "Did you?"

Juvia blinked at him, then tilted her head. "Who's this stripping bastard you're talking about?" she asked almost innocently, yet firmly.

It was Gajeel's turn to blink at her in surprise, before he smirked with a proud 'Gihi'. Levy smiled widely, her eyes sparkling and sincerely happy for her friend, and Lily smirked as well, nodding in approval. Laxus snickered in triumph, but no one missed the smile on his face as he wrapped his arm around Juvia's waist to pull her flush against him. The Iron Dragon Slayer knew Juvia wasn't faking it, as he could see it in her eyes, expression, smile and behaviour; her world now revolved around Laxus, who held her heart. And she held his. His Sprinkler had found her man and it somehow made him feel better that it wasn't Fullbuster. The stripper had made her cry enough, and Juvia had decided that enough was enough.

Even after she took such a huge hit and making that goddamn Water make: blood spell, Fullbuster still had no fucking idea how to respond to her feelings and had instead settled for taking everything she gave him without giving back. Serves the bastard right for taking her for granted, Gajeel thought cruelly as he pictured Juvia and Laxus, who were now talking. Something about training or some shit like that. He had to admit, they did look good together. Way better than what could have been with the stripper.

And if he was still unsure about the whole thing, all he had to do was look outside. The stormclouds had dispersed in the sky, allowing the last rays of sunshine of the late afternoon to shine through the windows. So Laxus did have a positive effect on her in many ways, because Sprinkler was glowing. And the Lightning-dude could be bearable on most days.

"So what about that time when you two were both in such a foul mood that you could have levelled the guild to the ground just by yourself?" he blurted out, recalling that memory. "Everyone had assumed that Fullbuster had done something to upset Sprinkler yet again, but you, Dreyar? You didn't let anyone approach you, not even the Thunder God Tribe."

An annoyed expression overtook Laxus' face. "Ah, that... call it denial, because I was trying to convince myself that those trysts with Juvia were nothing more than just that – trysts. So, yeah. We were in denial."

"Ain't this a bitch, huh?" Gajeel mocked him, earning himself a mild glare.

"Go to hell," Laxus retorted. Then he frowned, as if remembering something, before getting up. "In fact, why don't you all leave, now that Scrap-Head has his answers and won't kill me for getting his best friend? I'd like to get back to business with my woman."

The nerve of that bastard! Screw what he thought earlier, Dreyar wasn't a good fit for Sprinkler. "As. If. Like hell this is going to happen while I'm still here," he ground out, getting up as well.

"Nuh-huh, you two aren't going to fight again, not after the stunt you've pulled earlier," Juvia said firmly, standing between the two males with her arms outstretched. She eyed Gajeel with a narrowed gaze. "And besides, who messed up my man's apartment when he basically walked in on us?"

The Dragon Slayer sputtered, infuriated that he was both reminded of that awful scene and that his best friend wasn't on his side on this one. And it got worse when he spotted Laxus' smug expression, who crossed his arms and looked thoroughly pleased that his woman was sticking for him.

"I was worried for you!" he countered.

"But I was fine, wasn't I? We were perfectly fine until you got here, so I guess you owe Laxus for messing up his living-room, nearly getting his door unhinged and –"

"You definitely spent too much time with him, Sprinkler! We need to go on a mission tomorrow!"

Laxus snorted, Juvia simply raised a mocking brow.

"Fix my living-room, Scrap-Head. Then get out." He smirked widely at him. "Juvia's fine with me."


Two days later, when Laxus opened his door, he found himself scowling down at a smirking Cana. Who was also holding a bottle of alcohol – it was the very brand that Juvia couldn't handle after just one glass and the one that would make her babble like a child high on sugar.

"She ain't at her place, so I guess that she's here?" Cana inquired, mischief lacing her tone.

Laxus slammed the door in her face. Hell no. Juvia was gone on a mission with Scrap-Head and his kitty and wouldn't be back for a week, so he was now in a foul mood and didn't have time for shit.

He should have locked his woman in his bedroom with him, where she wouldn't have left his bed.


"You know Laxus, if Team Natsu manages to complete the Hundred-Years Quest, do you think Gray will react well to the news of your relationship with Juv?" Bickslow asked, lounging in his leader's sofa and enjoying the delicious fried rice Juvia had cooked prior to her departure.

Laxus raised an indifferent brow, brooding in his comfortable chair. "No, and I can't even bring myself to care what the stripping bastard will think – if he even comes back at all," he grumbled, his eyes closed. "He had his chance and she made her choice."

That still didn't deter Bickslow. "... and if he tries something?" he inquired, staring at him through his helmet.

"Then we'll see if he'll be able to fuck something without a cock after I'm done mauling him. I bet that'll be the best challenge for an Ice mage."

Man, that was dark. Laxus clearly missed his woman and was way too homicidal.


The last days passed agonisingly slow for the Lightning mage, whose mask of aloofness did poorly to conceal his irriatation; Laxus was on edge and he constantly seemed about to snap, ready to fry someone like a fish. Everyone knew that his temper was legendary, so they steered clear from him and silently prayed for Juvia to come back as soon as possible so she could tame him. Even the sky needed to be relieved of the dark stormclouds for a minute!

"Juvia must have taught him how to affect the weather, just so he could torture us," Cana slurred, slumped on her table with a defeated expression. She was almost crying, having been feeling down because she hadn't got her hands on the Water mage to drink-blackmail her. "Why didn't I connect the dots sooner?"

Laxus was in his grandfather's office, reviewing the last requests from the Council (crying bastards were now begging Fairy Tail to come to their aid any time they had problems with beasts. Nice for a change) and couldn't say he was bored out of his mind. He was bound to inherit the title of guildmaster, now that Makarov was getting more and more relaxed with the idea – that his grandchild was now getting invested in taking his place one day made the old man proud. Oh, and that he'd found a woman who wasn't a fling shocked him too.

His old, wise eyes side-glanced at his precious grandchild, who was focused on his work. Who would've known that he'd snatch Gray's soon-to-be girlfriend right under their noses?

"Juvia wasn't his girlfriend, Gramps." Laxus snickered when Makarov flinched, caught red-handed in speaking out loud. The younger male leaned back in his chair, crossing his arms. "Speaking out loud now, are we? Damn, you're seriously getting old by the day."

Makarov bristled. "Insolent child!" he admonished lightly, without any heat.

Laxus only shook his head with a chuckle before a yawn forced its way through his mouth. They'd been working for hours now, and a break sounded excellent – especially since it would mean a break for the foul-tempered Lightning mage who could barely stay in one room without feeling stuffed. Makarov had to laugh silently at how impatient Laxus was: he'd never entertained the idea of his wild grandchild falling in love with a woman one day, let alone one of his fairies, but the way he'd always look out the window every ten minutes or so with a disgruntled, longing look made it painfully obvious that he missed the water mage.

Well. If they ever made it to the aisle... then the thought of finally seeing Laxus with children of his own...

Laxus suddenly perked up, turning towards the door so fast that Makarov nearly fell from his chair. His grey eyes crinkled and a wide smirk pulled at his lips, making him relieved and (dare he say) happy. The old man could only stare at his grandson in amazement until there was a loud knock at the door.

"Come in!" he answered, taking his eyes off Laxus.

The door opened to reveal a smirking Gajeel, his Exceed Panther Lily and, walking behind like a half-asleep zombie, an exhausted-looking Juvia who was yawning. All of them looked unharmed, but one of them was about to fall asleep on her feet – her eyes were practically closed!

"Old Gramps, the mission was a success!" Gajeel proudly stated, before jamming a thumb over his shoulder at Juvia. "Stormbringer behind might have... overdone things a little, which explains why she's tired but what the hell, we completed the job!"

Makarov could have sworn he felt his soul leave his body for five seconds before it flew back inside, so he could sputter and stammer.

"B-b-b-b-but..."

It was Juvia, who was now being supported by Laxus' strong arm around her waist, who smiled at him sleepily. "The town wasn't hit by the giant maelstrom, master, don't worry," she mumbled through another yawn, wrapping her arms around Laxus. "The pirates, however... I hope they could swim away before their boats got caught in the current."

"Remind me exactly why you're not one of our S-Class mages yet, Juv? We need to work on your stamina and durability, so you'll be able to last longer," Laxus snickered teasingly, kissing the top of her head before he scooped her up in his arms. He looked back at the others, Juvia's head nestled comfortably in his neck. "If that's all, then excuse us."

Gajeel rolled his eyes. "Sure. Whatever."

He didn't even comment at Scrap-Head's gruff tone, as he teleported himself away in a powerful blast of lightning, Juvia secured in his arms. Makarov sighed deeply.

"That child... can he ever be tamed?"