It was late in the evening and she had just finished a chapter of a novel Levy had recommended to her. So far it had been a great read and though she wished she could finish the entire book she was in need of sleep. So with great trepidation she placed her book mark in its spot and stood up from her sofa, placing the novel back on her shelf to be continued tomorrow. Moving on toward the bathroom the blonde began her evening routine startled when she heard a knock on her door.

Quickly finishing she placed her tooth brush down on the sink and left her bathroom, curious as to who could be at her door at this hour. Natsu was currently banned from her place, Erza usually went to bed around this time and Gray was already asleep. She frowned wondering if perhaps Levy was stopping by but thought better of it. Unlocking the door she pulled it open surprised at the sight that greeted her.

"What – What's going on?" She stuttered, feeling confusion overwhelm her.

Freed gave her a kind smile before he spoke. "I came to speak with you about something."

Blinking several times the blonde frowned slightly, eyeing the man in front of her before looking back at the rest of the group. "Why exactly are Laxus and the others here – You know what never mind." She asked slowly before changing her mind. Shaking her head it occurred to her that they really did go everywhere together. Stepping out of the way she held the door open and motioned for them to enter her apartment.

Closing the door after they all entered she turned to the four mages. "Please sit. I'm going to go make some tea." With that the blonde turned, entering her kitchen and began making tea. It really was too late for them to be here but apparently Freed was impatient if he was willing to bother her for – whatever reason it was he came here. She sighed as she finished putting tea leaves into the cups. "The least he could have done was leave, the others at home." She grumbled under her breath, not caring in the least that Laxus could probably hear her.

Lifting the tray she exited the kitchen unsurprised to see Freed sitting on her little love seat while the other three were looking around her apartment. Sighing in irritation she set the tray down a little roughly, turning to Laxus who was poking around her desk. "Touch anything on that desk and I promise you'll regret it." She threatened, though it didn't do her much good considering she knew the difference of their strength. Ignoring the slayer's chuckle she sat next to Freed, giving him a cup of tea.

Picking up her own, she turned to the rune mage, speaking after taking a drink. "So, what is it that you wanted to speak with me about?"

"I was in the middle of reading a few books when I came across a language I was unfamiliar with. I went to speak to Levy about it and she told me that you were fluent in it." The stellar mage watched as he picked up the books, opening them to the section, handing it to her.

Setting her cup down, she looked over it nodding her head, giving him a warm smile. "I'd be glad to help, let me grab some pen and paper." Getting up, the blonde grabbed the necessary materials before sitting down next to Freed, to begin translation.

As she translated the text into the Fioran language, she could feel Freed's eyes on her as he watched her work and she made a mental note to herself that once finished she could lend him the books so that he wouldn't have to come to her again. She would also have to kick Levy's butt for not telling him the names of the books for his own reference. Sighing she took a moment to clear her head of the fogginess, her exhaustion getting to her. Another twenty minutes passed and she had finally finished everything, smiling in satisfaction.

"Thank you Lucy. I really appreciate it."

Lucy smiled. "No prob –"She cut herself off with a yawn. "I'm sorry." Clearing her head she looked at him. "No problem and if you'd like I can lend you the books?"

"I would like that very much, thank you." Nodding the stellar mage stood up making her way to her bookshelf. "Perhaps, might I ask – I have several jobs lined up for the near future that involve spending several hours in the library, you wouldn't want to join me would you?"

The blonde looked at him excitedly. "Absolutely, I would love to." She picked the books up off her shelf, pausing as she noticed the lightning slayer with the one thing she wanted no one to touch. Quickly setting the books down, the blonde stood up and moved to take her novel back from the slayer but he held it out of her reach. "Laxus, give it back." She growled annoyed at his chuckle.

"You can have it if you can reach it." He lifted it higher and out of her reach, smirking at her before looking up at the novel to read more.

"Laxus –"

"What's a matter cheerleader?" He interrupted. "Am I not allowed to read about Lilith running through –"He cut himself off, chuckling upon hearing her growl at him before she snatched the book from his hands.

"I told you not to touch this." She glared at the slayer, noticing Evergreen mess with something she'd rather her not touch. "It's not something to be read, and Evergreen please don't – oh, for heaven's sake why can't the two of you be more like Bickslow, at least all he's done is pass out on my bed." She huffed before shoving her novel into a drawer in her desk.

"Bickslow isn't that innocent." Evergreen commented turning toward Lucy with a smirk. "He decided to look through your panty drawer before he passed out in your bed." The blonde flushed. "I have to ask, do you seriously wear things like that?" Flushing a darker red the blonde slammed the desk drawer close.

"I'm not answering that." Turning she frowned at the group. "And seeing as Freed and I have finished our discussion you can all leave." Turning the blonde picked up the books and handed them to Freed, making her way over to her bed she reached out and grabbed Bickslow by the ear causing the seith mage to sit up instantly.

"Ow, shit! What the hell?!" Lucy glared at him before delivering a Lucy kick to him, sending him straight into the wall. Feeling satisfied she turned to the other three, ignoring Bickslow's groans.

"Thank you for stopping by, I was glad to help you Freed. I also look forward to our jobs together." She walked to her door and held it open. "But now, it's very late, I'm exhausted and I would very much like some sleep." Motioning to the door she watched as each of them left her apartment, surprisingly bidding her a good night.

Last to leave her apartment was the seith mage, who stopped at the door, grinning at her. "You know I could stop by again sometime and you can show me just how good you look in all those sexy –"

"Bickslow" She called out in warning, cutting him off. "Do you really want another Lucy kick?"

The seith mage chuckled before leaving with a wave. Finally closing the door, the celestial mage sighed in relief, feeling her face burn as Bickslow's words fluttered back into her mind. Shaking her head she cleaned up before turning off the lights and finally snuggling into her bed, falling asleep moments after.

~~x~~

When she woke up the next morning it was eight o'clock and she was half debating on just sleeping in a little longer and just going to the guild later but had second thoughts as her teammates may be tempted to barge into her apartment in concern and fear hoping she wasn't dying. Letting out a sigh she climbed out of bed and after making it, trudged her way to the bathroom to begin her morning routine.

Once dressed, the stellar mage slipped on her boots, placing her keys and fleuve in their respective places before locking up her apartment and making her way to the guild. Humming to herself, Lucy hopped up onto the canal's edge balancing as she usually did, recalling that she needed to give Levy a thorough tongue lashing but of course that would be after she had her strawberry smoothie. Arriving at the guild at nine-thirty she took in the guild with a smile, before slipping her way through the chaos, greeting those who called out good morning to her. Plopping herself down on her favorite bar stool, she ordered a smoothie from Mira.

Lucy waited patiently as Mira made it, hoping for once the barmaid wouldn't try to add anything unusual to it. She knew she was trying to play matchmaker – putting her and Natsu together – but for once she wished Mira would quit. Luckily the demon barmaid wasn't suspicious when she had suddenly changed her mind on wanting a smoothie – though at times she had her doubts. Smiling when Mira placed it in front of her, she brought it up to her lips, relief surging through her as she detected nothing. Taking a drink she sighed happily.

"Lucy." Mira called and she looked up at the barmaid.

"Yes, Mira?"

"Is everything okay? I was a bit worried when you didn't show up at your usual eight-thirty."

Though tempted to groan in irritation, Lucy smiled giving a nod as she took a drink from her smoothie. "Everything is fine." She assured the barmaid. "Team ridiculous and their annoying leader decided to show up at my place and didn't leave until later than I normally allowed guests."

Not noticing Mira's frown she continued. "I mean it's not like I had a problem with them coming over." She paused to take a drink. "I just don't think it should have been that late and more at I time could actually handle them." She paused realizing that no matter what time of day it was she doubted she could handle them – she could barely deal with her overzealous team sometimes. Shaking her head she took another drink of her smoothie.

"Anyways my main concern is that for some odd reason everyone who comes into my apartment feels the need to explore it and get into my things and I have yet to figure out why." She paused to drink more of her smoothie. "I mean seriously what is so fascinating about my apartment? I'm pretty sure it's just like all the other apartments in the building." Mira giggled and Lucy shook her head, knowing Mira was probably thinking something strange. Taking another drink of her smoothie she grinned upon hearing her best friend and partner call out her name, taking a seat beside her. "Morning Natsu" She greeted him and he grinned at her in return.

"Hey Luce, where were you this morning?"

"Sleeping, why is something going on? Do we have a job?" Natsu shook his head.

"No, I just wanted to talk to you because Lis wants to go on a job with me but I told her I wanted to make sure you were okay with it. I don't want you to think that were not partners anymore. We're still best friends."

Lucy giggled at the fire breather, still finding him to be as adorable as ever. "Of course I'm okay with it Natsu. We're best friends and partners and we will always be. You should know that, you going on a job or more with Lisanna won't change that." She watched him grin happily.

"Thanks Luce, I'll talk to you later. I gotta go let Lis know."

She watched her partner bounce off happily and she giggled softly as Natsu told Lisanna. Too bad Mira couldn't see what was right before her there. Turning back around the blonde noticed her glass was empty and she was tempted to ask Mira for another one but her thoughts were soon distracted by her blue-haired friend. "Levy" She greeted, slipping annoyance into her tone.

"Hey, Lu-chan." Levy greeted in return. "How are you? I noticed you came in late today."

Lucy frowned at her. "I wonder why." Levy blinked at her before smiling.

"Oh, Freed went to your house last night didn't he?" The blonde nodded her head. "I'm sorry Lu; I didn't know he'd do that. I told him that was you're area of expertise and to speak with you about it but I didn't think he'd go to your place last night."

"Well he did, and he brought the rest of the thunder legion with him too."

Levy giggled. "Aw, it couldn't have been that bad could it?"

Lucy gave the script mage a look. "It was worse. The three of them are exactly like my teammates and –"Cutting herself off the stellar mage frowned at the odd feeling overcoming her. She gave her head a shake, looking at the blunette. "What was I saying?" She frowned before remembering. "Oh, they're exactly like my teammates and it was completely frustrating." She huffed. "Anyways I let Freed borrow my books so –"Lucy stopped talking feeling her mind go blank and hazy.

She soon stood from her bar stool, slowly making her way through the guild and over to a table of five. She remained motionless for a moment before leaning forward and pressing her lips to another's. It took another full minute to clear the fog from her mind, hearing the rowdy guild hoot and holler. When she finally came back she jerked away from whomever, staring horrified as she realized what had just happened. Turning to the one person who she knew would be responsible for this, feeling hurt and betrayed by the woman.

Her head shook slowly holding back tears before she made a run for it, needing to get out of the guild and as far away as possible. She had never wanted things to start that way with him. It's why she had worked her hardest to keep from drinking Mira's potion filled strawberry smoothies; she wanted to tell Bickslow her feelings on her own time.

She let out a sob, catching herself as she tripped and nearly fell. Slowing her pace she kept walking, trying to dry her eyes but it was a futile effort. She needed to cry, Mira had ruined everything for her. Collapsing onto the edge of the canal she had normally walked along, she let herself cry. Letting out shaky breaths, she sniffled lifting her trembling hands to attempt to dry her eyes. She decided that it would probably be best to stay away from the guild for some time – at least until she could face him and forgive Mira.

"Cheerleader?" Lucy jumped, startled from hearing that nickname suddenly, surprised to see Bickslow standing not far from her.


To say he was surprised wasn't even close to the emotion he felt. In a state of disbelief perhaps, elated too. He had never expected the blonde to kiss him; in truth he didn't even know she liked him like that. There were no subtle glances, hints or anything for that matter to clue him in. That kick yesterday sure as hell didn't help either. Shaking his head he quickly stood up, turning to his leader. "I'm – I've got to go." With that he left the guild, missing his leader's amused smile, and began his search for the blonde.

He wasn't sure where she'd run off to nor was he sure how to find her but he was determined to do it. He had to talk to her because if she really did feel that way about him there was no way in hell he'd waste this opportunity to finally ask her out. Continuing his search he caught something in the corner of his eyes, grateful he could easily find her with a little help from his magic.

As he moved closer to her he could see her body shuddering, her hands wiping away her tears. He had seen the look on her face when she left; several thoughts had crossed his mind, the primary being worry. Taking a breath and hoping she wasn't crying because she hadn't wanted to kiss him he called her name.

"Cheerleader?" He noticed her jump and felt a little bad for startling her frowning slightly when she turned away from him.

"B-Bickslow." The way she stuttered his name had him frowning in concern, quickly closing the distance between them.

"You alright cosplayer?" She nodded her head, wiping away more tears.

"Yeah, I'm fine." Eyeing the blonde for a moment he then smiled.

"So, didn't expect you to jump me back there." He teased, suppressing a chuckle as she tensed before whirling around to face him.

"I didn't jump you!" She exclaimed and he grinned, taking a seat next to her. "I- I ki-kissed you." She flushed, turning away from him once more.

He looked at her still unable to read her, figuring it was best to just ask her right out. "Am I right in guessing you've got the hots for me cheerleader?" He watched her glance back at him before nodding her head. Smiling he sighed, looking up at the sky. "You should have mentioned something sooner cosplay queen." Turning to the blonde he grinned at the sight of her surprised face.

"You mean – do you like me?"

"Of course I do, you're sexy as hell and got me thinking about you every damn day." The blonde flushed at his words. "Truthfully I didn't even think you liked me especially with that kick you gave me last night."

Lucy turned to him, a flash of fury in her eyes. "You were looking through my underwear drawer!" She exclaimed and he chuckled.

"Can't I know what my future girlfriend is going to wear for me when we're alone together?"

She immediately flushed before her brows furrowed. "Wait, you just claimed that you didn't even know if I liked you."

Bickslow shrugged at her. "I had planned on asking out today anyways." He turned to her, leaning close. "Your kiss just sealed the deal." He grinned at the sight of the blush on her face, knowing he'd never get tired of it. Reaching for her he grasped her chin lightly, pulling her closer before pressing his lips to hers in a gentle kiss. "You know my place isn't far from here. How about we head over and get to know each other better." He gave a suggestive grin that had the blonde turning a shade of red that could probably rival Erza's hair.

"I-I uh, uhm, B-Bickslow –"

The seith mage laughed loudly as she stuttered in response. "I'm just teasing you cosplay queen." Standing up he stretched, turning to her. "Dinner, 7 tonight?" Lucy nodded her head, taking the hand he held out for her and stood from her seat.

"Yeah, dinner sounds great." She smiled at him, biting her lip before looking up at him shyly. "But uhm, i-if you wouldn't mind, I don't think I'd mind going to your place to spend some time actually getting to know each other."

Bickslow let out a chuckle, pulling her to his side, entwining their fingers together as they began walking. "Sure thing, cosplayer."


There you have it, the final chapter to Truth. I was going to fiddle with this some more but I decided to hell with it, I'm tired and posting it as is. I hope you enjoyed the story.