-** AUTHOR'S NOTE **-
Hi :) here it is, I feel this holds deeper reflection of both characters' thoughts and emotions. And that it gives better meaning to every choice they will make and have made. Welcome to the new and improved Absolutes.
p.s. don't own fairy tail or it's characters
Absolutes
Chapter One
Oh what a mess she was. . . It was happening. Not that she never had an inkling that it wouldn't, but still, some corner of her heart had hoped he'd hold out for her. He hadn't. Three months of a solitary mission, three months she needed his loyalty, all of it- for nothing. She couldn't fully blame Natsu. Lisanna was beautiful, and the two had so much history together it made Lucy's heart AND head hurt. Fuck did it hurt. So what did she do? She drank. She drank, and she drank, and she drank. Till right side up was right side down, light was dark and right was wrong. Cheater. Such an ugly word.
Cheater. No, not Natsu... Yes... Yes, he did... It was an accident... An accident over and over?... What- she just "accidentally" fell on his dick? And in her belligerent state Lucy laughed at the thought. She had never pegged Natsu for a cheater, or Lisanna to be one to go along with it. Dammit all to hell... How did it come to this? For so long they had been in love, he was her constant shield and rock, and she his tether in moments of chaos. When did they lose "it"- the spark? Probably about the same time he began to go on solo missions with the takeover mage. When it had became too much for him to deny his need to spend time with Lisanna. Mavis did she feel like a wreck- she couldn't keep Natsu- and it burned to know he didn't want only her. She never believed she'd be his second best, and she never viewed herself as Lisanna's replacement. But here she was, I'm a joke, she thought before releasing another pitiful giggle. She looked at her nearly empty beer bottle, and watched the amber liquid swirl around in the cylinder. Tipping it back Lucy took one final swig before falling off her chair, only to land in an embarrassing heap on the guild floor. The bar maid hurriedly ran to the blonde's side and helped the giggling girl to her wobbly feet.
"Mira, I'll be fine I'm fiiiine..." Lucy began to reassure said woman, and Mira tried to hide her grimace under a smile.
"Lucy dear lemme help you to a table okay?" Mira began to divert the tipsy woman to the nearest bench seat, and shot a pleading look for help to the other guild members. Guiltily, she knew why the poor blonde was in such a state; had suspected it for some time when Lisanna wasn't where she said she was, and was conveniently gone the same days Natsu was "sick". Lisanna would get a stern talking to when she returned from the mission she and Natsu had left on. But for now Mira settled for helping her poor friend drown her grief.
Mira's eyes landed on a somber raven haired man, and he just shook his head in slight fear at the prospect of babysitting a giggly Lucy. Gajeel had done enough babysitting in his time with Levy and wasn't about to start with Lucy. The bluenette to his right just snuggled in closer as she read, and a blush started up his usually rough face. Whereas Mira was angry for his rejection, she was now seemingly ecstatic at the exchange between the couple. She seemed to say "That's okay I'll find someone else!" through her heart filled eyes, and once again scanned the room. Oh, He owes me. She'd seen how he looked at the girl over the years, knew of his silent struggle to fight his feelings- it was only a matter of time before the matchmaker had figured it out. On top of the already existent feelings Laxus had, Mira knew of the small crush Lucy had harbored for the bad boy years past before she began dating Natsu. So in that moment she took it upon herself to play matchmaker once more, and set the two on a path that has needed to happen for a while, as contradictory and morally unethical it was. Lucy and Natsu should have never happened, and in her heart of hearts she knew Lucy felt the same. And almost simultaneously Mira decided Natsu and Lisanna would be next- it was the best thing for all of them. They'd thank her later. Time to commence operation Static Cosmos. It was then that she gestured with a wiggling finger towards a secretly observing blonde dragonslayer. With one point to the now sniffling girl, Mira demanded Laxus help in comforting the heartbroken mage. He shook his head rapidly, stern determination evident on his face, before standing to leave. And as the lightning dragonslayer began to turn, Mira uttered two words-
"Locker room." Laxus deadpanned, and spun on his heel, glaring at the gloating silver haired woman in embarrassed frustration. Damn woman... The very person I work diligently to avoid, and I'm being blackmailed. In a quick moment he was beside Mira. He looked down at the giggling albeit tear stained blonde before him, and sighed tiredly. Tonight is going to be a long night testing his resilience.
"I don't remember inviting you to the table." Lucy said in a confused state with a frown, before shooting a glare towards a now retreating Mira. She didn't know what the silvette was up to, but she'd find out eventually.
"Too damn bad blondie." Laxus stated over his newly acquired beer.
"I don't need anyone's company." Lucy muttered seriously looking away from the built man in front of herself, and Laxus got a glimpse at the serious hurt Lucy usually kept hidden underneath the bubbly exterior. He knew what her need for drinking was, but kept the concern from reaching his face. No way in hell would he get mixed in with whatever was going on between the blonde and Natsu. He worked hard to remain casual with Lucy all these years, and would continue to do so. No matter what his gut told him otherwise.
"Fucking Natsu... Fuckin Lisanna." Lucy ground out, as if reflecting Laxus' thoughts. She stared out at the lively night crowd of the guild, and barely missed the look of surprise on Laxus' face at her choice of words. He knew she had the vocabulary, but it wasn't often he heard it. Instead of chastising the depressed girl, he sat down with a heavy sigh and a scowl. It was hard to ignore the jeers from other guild members at being told what to do by such a petite girl as Mira, but as electricity crackled around the red-faced dragonslayer the men in question immediately shut up. It was quickly becoming hard to keep up the facade. And Lucy's aura was making him uncomfortable.
"You're gonna get fat with all the beer you've been drinking." Laxus stated matter-of-factly, poking fun at the blonde's sensitivity to her weight. He had no idea how to comfort the simmering woman, so did what most emotionally detached men do- make fun and hope they laugh. Almost immediately he felt a firm punch to his gut. He turned to reprimand the woman, but the words died on his lips when he saw a ghost of a smile on Lucy's face.
"So you must drink all the time then huh?" She retorted with a feigned glare, and he was taken aback. Touche'. It wasn't often she responded with a jeer of her own, and he found he liked the feistier side of Lucy. He watched her with renewed interest as she flagged down Mira for another beer, and made the mistake of stating he'd seen her training with Erza recently. A sudden ferocity took hold of the petite blonde's features, and before long she let out a tirade about the woman's slave driving tendencies. He was all too familiar with Erza's training techniques. Still, Laxus listened to Lucy mumble on as he nursed his beer, and fought the urge to snatch the offending liquid the girl was guzzling at a fast pace from her lips.
"How do you take a hit out on someone?" Lucy suddenly leaned in conspiratorially, and Laxus let loose his first real laugh of the day. Lucy? Kill someone? HAHAHAHAHA!
"Ok blondie," Laxus said between chuckles, "I think it's your bedtime."
"I'm a grown woman," she sniffed, "it's my bedtime when I say it's my bedtime." She stood unsteadily to her feet, arms crossed under her breasts, and Laxus had to fight the urge to drool over the way they sat perfectly on her chest. Dear Lord, how did that turd leave THIS behind?
"Where are you going-"
"-Why does it matter?"
"Because you can barely walk!"
"I can walk fine!"
"And I'm the fuckin queen of Magnolia."
"Why the hell do you care?!"
The guild watched the odd sight of the two bickering, and it wasn't long before Laxus was ready to pull his hair out. He didn't care if Mira told the whole damn world about what happened in the locker room, this petulant woman could walk her damn self home. As he was about to tell Lucy where she could take a long walk off of, Mira shot him a glare from behind the bar, and knew she wouldn't just stop with the Locker Room incident.
"Because it'd take someone 1 second to rid you of that tinsel you have around your hip, and even less to drag you behind a dumpster in your state." Laxus growled, done with her stubborn attitude.
"So let me ask you again blondie, where... you... going?" Lucy swallowed her biting remark when she realized how right, and how close the sexy blonde was to her. He made a formidable presence, and towered over her smaller frame with a nearly smug glare. Instead she pursed her lips in defiance and spun unevenly to leave, crossed arms and all. The guild's atmosphere quieted slightly, as nearby members stopped their chatter to watch Laxus' next move, but the normally dominant man just followed behind a now weaving Lucy, both sullenly exiting through the guild doors. The last thing they heard was Lucy's suddenly sultry voice demanding food, and everyone returned to their drinks- the outburst all but forgotten. Shuffling over with a smirking face, Mira leaned against the table Levy and Gajeel were seated at and both girls shared a knowing smile.
"Won't be long now." Mira said almost evilly as the small group watched the departing pair leave the guild.
...
"You don't have to follow me." Lucy grumbled, hands swaying at her sides, and she growled when her step faltered.
"You didn't have to leave." Laxus responded as he enjoyed his view from behind her. He assumed she was leading the way to food, but try as he may to be annoyed, he couldn't help but appreciate this rare night with Lucy's company. He was almost thankful Natsu was away, if only to have this moment with the blonde. They both walked a ways in silence, reveling in the late night's crisp air and eclectic mix of citizenry out and about. The light from the street lanterns were flaxen on the woman's hair, liquid honey Laxus' hands itched to touch, and his eyes followed the curves the tresses framed. Even angry, he found the woman absolutely pleasing to his eyes.
"How many people do you think know?" Lucy asked, taking Laxus by surprise. She didn't turn once, but by the tone of her voice, he knew she was crying again. He didn't know if he liked where this was going, didn't know if he'd be able to handle the fragile woman before him appropriately.
"Know what Blondie." She stopped suddenly and it made him pause, this was so unlike Lucy that he didn't know how to react. Turning to look up at him, he saw his assumption was right, and he fought the urge to wipe her face clear of tears.
"About Natsu and Lisanna." He immediately knew what she meant. The declaration made his head spin when the obvious hit him by force. Of course Lisanna and Natsu were having an affair- it all made sense. It would explain why they were taking more and more missions together, as well as Lucy's increasing appetite for alcohol. How long had she known and kept a positive face?
"How do you know?" He asked with a frown, still not sure he was ready to admit poster boy and his family friend were sneaking around. And not altogether sure he could emotionally comfort her should she be sure. At his words, Lucy's face scrunched up in anger, before she spun around and stomped away.
"Because I saw them!" She yelled in animosity, tears streaming down her face. It was something she had never told another soul, and now that she had said it aloud to Laxus- of all people- she felt naked. It was finally out there, she had just admitted it to herself as much as to Laxus. She was mad, mad at his doubt, and mad at herself for feeling weak.
On their fourth solo trip the secret pair had taken, Lucy also happened to be on a job that overlapped the territory they were stationed at. In an effort to surprise her lover, she showed up at the hotel address Natsu had given her for emergency purposes. But the last thing she had expected to see was Lisanna and Natsu kissing on their way with Happy to the next door diner. And that was the last time she had taken a job for a decent period of time- her dreams for them and their future, her heart, and her hope was crushed. Not ready to give up, Lucy kept her knowledge of them to herself, pitifully clinging to Natsu every chance she got, and prayed he would realize all he wanted was her.
Laxus' gut twisted in surprising righteous anger and empathy, and swiftly walked to Lucy's side. He would have never suspected the scandalous nature of the two had anyone else told him, and found himself furious with the fire mage and Lisanna. Irate even. Huffing, he clenched his hands at his side and noticed Lucy mirroring his own actions, before taking a calming breath. She deserved better. She shouldn't be waiting on Natsu to pull his head out of his ass. She needed someone like him.
"Fuck em." Laxus said with a deep voice.
"What?" she asked incredulously.
"Fuck em." He repeated, and Lucy raised her shimmering eyes to his, searching for any sign of mockery. Having found none, and seeing only uncommon sincerity in the beautiful slate eyes, she smiled briefly before wiping her tears with a sniff.
"Yeah, fuck em. Let's get something to drink."
...
Lucy was pissed, no- enraged! But she couldn't get her body to comply with her brain; where she thought she should be pummeling the blonde man's back, she instead found herself momentarily captivated with the movement of his toned butt and the way his hand held her just below her own. This was so wrong! So unethical and wrong! From her position she tried to not let herself breathe in Laxus' cologne, or murmur her approval when his hand hitched higher to keep her from stirring, but she just couldn't help herself. NO! I'm supposed to be angry! And the few stragglers out this late watched as her blood flushed face transformed into that of what could be taken as intense angry concentration or constipation. He can't just go around making me do jack shit!
All it took was for her to even suggest getting another drink, and the man had flung her over his shoulders quicker than a sack of potatoes.
I'm taking your dumb ass home.
You can't keep me from drinking Laxus Dreyar!
Like hell I can't.
What did she think drinking would solve? Especially at this hour? He had finally gotten her to sober up with the hours of walking, and he was tired as hell. It was time to pack it in. Natsu was gone and wasn't coming back for the time being- all she'd gain from drinking is a lighter wallet and a hangover. On top of that, he can't help a drunk Lucy. He could barely handle and understand a sober one. All at once her scent permeated his sensitive nostrils, peaches and strawberries, and he became very aware of how close his hand was to her ass. And very aware of his new craving for peaches. There was another note, and it intrigued him to no end- faint arousal. No shit... really? The position he was in wasn't necessarily a bad one, but he imagined carrying her over his shoulder happening in a little bit of a different situation. And she wouldn't be fighting me... He felt Lucy shift atop his shoulder and it momentarily brought him back from his thoughts.
"Stop squirming." Laxus demanded, and Lucy's only response was to smack his back feebly. Ignoring her, Laxus glared at the curious bystanders and inquisitive eyes. Stare away folks. His grip around the blonde tightened, cautious to be suspected of abduction yet not wanting to let go of the moment. He felt oddly possessive of the irritated girl hoisted over his shoulder. Like she was suddenly his to look after, not just a guild member he was obligated to make sure made it safely home. And she didn't feel wrong in his arms- Gods did she feel right. He knew if he put her down, chances were she'd wander home with him on her trail. But he wasn't willing to admit that just yet. A week ago he would've killed to have this chance.
Lucy grumbled to herself about stubborn dragons all having that particular trait in common and felt a little more at ease with the man carrying her. His protective aura wrapped around her drained body, and warmed her heart. She had forgotten what it felt like to be cared for- even if Laxus was a little unorthodox in his methods. Pfft I bet Natsu is gettin some right now... Around and around images of he and Lisanna raced through her mind and Lucy shook her head to try and erase those nasty thoughts. Instead she thought on how long it'd been since she'd been laid, since Natsu had made love to her, and ended up right where she began. With a sickened stomach and sore heart. She sighed, and decided she'd distract herself atop Laxus' shoulder. Lazily, her gaze drifted to his butt and she felt her stomach plummet to her crotch. Dang he has such a nice butt. He's always had a nice butt- but I haven't been this close to him... Without realizing it, in her appraisal of the man's physique, Lucy had begun rubbing slow circles on his toned back, making Laxus quietly groan in frustration to himself.
He was quickly dreading the rest of the walk to her house. Self control my man, self control. He exhaled the pent up Lust he was feeling, and inhaled the metaphorical self control he hoped he could hold on to. But all he got was another nose-full of her aroused mixture of peaches, further inflaming his desire for the taken woman. He didn't need this, didn't know if he could handle this, didn't know if all the discipline in the world could make him handle this. This was one thing the dragonslayer was not trained for- even in his wildest fantasies, never did he imagine he'd truly be in this situation. He knew she wasn't doing anything on purpose- maybe her hand had strayed- and maybe the tension pulsing between them now was a figment of his imagination. He tried to shift his grip away from her ass, but in his effort to remain stagnant, and her effort to be released- he all but cupped her ass. And his reward? A breathy gasp followed by a faint sigh and more pheromones. Gods- she smelled so good. She felt so good.
Laxus couldn't wait to be rid of the teasing temptress. He could not, would not, take advantage of Lucy in this state. But Lucy had other plans- she was enjoying her location atop his shoulder- and she had an excellent view. What would be so wrong to just sit back and take benefit from the situation? She had a strong dragonslayer's hands on her legs, a very sexy one at that- and she couldn't deny the chemistry flying back and forth between them. Yes, it was Laxus Dreyar- a man that given any other night she'd never admit she found attractive- and yes she was engaged to Natsu. But the energy they were exchanging was almost unreal, it was magnetic, and she found that she didn't want the night to end at her doorstep. Could she really admit to herself that she'd be willing to risk everything for one night of bliss? Could she even allow herself to entertain the thought? Yes... Why not? Don't I deserve it?
Unbeknownst to her, the man in question was having similar thoughts- if not a little more at war with himself. Even with his bachelor ways, Laxus was forever a gentleman and tried to live his life with the utmost morality. But he had his limits when presented with a goddess. This is Lucy for Mavis' sake! God's what the hell am I thinking?!
With a sigh of frustration he lightly jostled the girl, making her pause in her seductive ministrations. Finally. Was that a small hmph I just heard? Eager to distract himself from the pheromones flying off the blonde, Laxus asked her if he was taking the right streets to her house, and she nearly purred her responses, disarming him once more. Her voice ringed deliciously in his ears, an intimate sounding tone he'd never heard from the celestial mage, and he found himself making small talk with her- only to keep listening to her speak. It was just years ago that he thought the same voice carried a shrill keen. What was she doing to him? As her closeness enhanced his senses, he became more perceptive of her breathing, felt every little shift her muscles made against his body, and it was driving him insane. If he never gets to touch her again, he would still be grateful for this one night.
It wasn't long before they stood at Lucy's stairs, and as Lucy slowly slid down Laxus' front, she couldn't help but take notice of every ridge and bump of the man's muscular form. And dear god did it make her heartbeat spike- she hoped it wasn't as loud to him as it was to her. She hesitated for a moment, a lump forming in her throat, before she nearly choked on her own spit. Gods can I do this- do I even want to ask? What if he laughs? I mean he's Laxus for shits- oh dear lord spit it out-
"I don't want tonight to end." She watched his eyes widen in shock, before narrowing. She couldn't mean that- could she? Did he really hear what he thought he heard? Fire raced through his body at the mere idea, at even having the opportunity that the blonde vixen before him was presenting, and he felt his pants tighten. Did she even know what she was implying, all the risks and consequences? He unnoticeably gravitated toward her, her mere proximity enough to suck him in and damn them both to hell. And hell he was in.
"You're drunk Lucy. Go to bed." He fought every instinct he had, and willed his muscles to move, begged them to let him leave before he made the wrong choice. But not before a sharp sting erupted across his cheek. He wheeled back to her in a surprised daze. She just fucking slapped me!
"I'm not drunk Laxus Dreyar and you know it!"
"Dammit woman-"
"I know what I want! Carry me to my bed, NOW." Lucy demanded before all courage failed her. And as she stood there trembling, tears welling in her eyes, pleading with him to not reject her, he slowly moved to stare her down, searching for any fear. For a moment she watched him battle himself, before his intimidating stature captured her within his thick arms once more.
She's absolutely going to ruin me. In one move Laxus had her cradled in his arms, and they were up the stairs before she could blink. The trip from the kicked open and closed front door to her bed was short, and she found herself held down on her comforter by a very impassioned dragonslayer. Laxus quickly grinned wickedly as he watched a burning blush steal across her displayed features. Once more he fought his instincts and every muscle in his body screaming to take the woman laid out before him, she was ripe and begging for his touch- he could almost taste it. The waves of pheromones and energy radiating off her was almost enough to paralyze him. What had he done so right in his past life to be rewarded with such great karma? And where would this night take them in this life? Gods she was decadent, like a rose just beginning to bloom in the summer after a century of budding in spring. She was presenting herself to him, with full knowledge of what would commence and everything it implied- all the possible penalties- as a woman to a dragon. She's betrothed, intended for Natsu, he knew... But where was he? In the arms of another woman, while this goddess before Laxus wanted for the simplest of affection. By Gods he'd be sinning if he didn't worship her body. But still, that niggling moral code held him back, and Lucy watched as his shaking arms restrained his lust. He had to know everything was okay, that she could live with this choice, and wanted nothing more than to be thoroughly ravished. She needed to be fucked. And so she just locked eyes with him and his every doubt disappeared. With her lust filled eyes she begged, and all his resolve shattered. It was then that Laxus made a vow- tonight he was going to make her forget it all. Tonight, you will scream my name Lucy, and god help me, only my name for the rest of your life. You will finally and absolutely be mine.
