Fairy Tail was always going the extra mile and the Christmas season was no exception. They had picked out the largest fresh spruce tree they could find to put into the guild hall, Gramps had called everyone home for the holidays, Mira had been barking orders for where are the decorations were to be hung, Kinana had been in charge of the food for Christmas Day while Cana was bringing in some holiday cheer, and Lucy had been in charge of the Secret Santa. Lucy had the easiest part of the festivities, or so she had thought. She knew people would be grumbling about drawing names or who they had pulled at random but she hadn't expected so many people to ask her what they should buy their significant others. Lucy had become a Christmas Confidant among her guildmates and had learned that there were so many people dating amongst the guild that had kept things down low her head had been spinning. Everyone was also telling them what they were planning to do for their break from Boxing Day to the second of January, which had put a smile on her face.

The Strauss siblings were heading off to the mountains to do some skiing with Laxus, Evergreen, Natsu, and Happy. Cana and Guildarts were sticking around the guild to rest up before they headed off on a long mission once the first day of the new year came along. Levy, Gajeel, Wendy, Lily, and Carla were off to the Exceed village to spend time with their furry companion's families. Everyone else had amazing family plans they were all excited about as well but when she talked to Erza, Jellal, Gray, and Milliana they were heading for the sunshine to hit the beach, and when Gray had dropped that bombshell on Lucy she was immediately looking for Juvia. The water mage had been so quiet lately and now she knew the reason why. So in typical Lucy fashion, she invited Juvia to come and stay with her while the guild did their own things for the remainder of the break.

Lucy loved the holiday season, always had, but without a family of her own, she tended to make herself seem happier than she was. The forced smiles and aching want to have someone this time of year was all consuming some days. Always watching others as they had someone to hold, kiss, celebrate with had made her a bit jealous but never once did she act on those feelings. There was no need for anyone to know what was going through the blonde's head, until now. Juvia was in the same boat as she was and the two had bonded on Boxing Day while drinking strawberry daiquiri's in their pyjamas. Juvia confessed to Lucy that she had known about Gray and Milliana for months, respecting their need for privacy, she had kept her distance from the man she had fawned over for years not realizing she was pushing the guild away from her too.

The next day Lucy had gone out to get some breakfast for the two of them and had run into Bickslow, literally ran into the tall man and fell flat on her ass. Bickslow had laughed while holding a hand out to help her off the cold snowy ground while his mate, Cobra, cracked a joke about blonde's being clumsy to which she just stuck her tongue out at the man. She had asked what their plans were for the break and the seith mage had informed her that they were going home to Bosco so his family could meet Erik and celebrate New Year's. Freed and Farron were going to be heading back with them as well and Lucy had cheered and the idea. Freed was such an amazing guy and Farron, she had learned, was his perfect match. If she had to guess she figured they were soul mates, the way Freed snuck glances at the young ambassador, who was often caught doing so by Farron, had her swooning. They were fucking adorable!

"What are doing, Cosplayer?"

"Juvia and I are hanging at my place. We really don't have much else to do or go so we're making a fun girls week out of it." Lucy had put on her best cheerful face she could muster but Erik had called her out in it immediately.

"Fuck that shit, Tink! You and that crazy ass water woman are going to pack your shit and come with us to Bosco," he had demanded of them. Lucy had stated she didn't want to impose on their family time or the holiday. She knew, from her upbringing, that New Year's was THE holiday in Bosco. A time to reflect on the past and grow towards the future and its limitless possibilities. Gifts were shared with family members that would either help them the in the year or bring joy into their lives, a concept that Lucy was in love with.

"Miss Heartfilia." Farron had caught her attention as he walked out of the small shop, his hand in Freed's. "We would love nothing more than to have you and Miss Lockser join us in Bosco. Dad has been whining about meeting you after all the stories the Thunder Legion has been telling him when they visit, not to mention out sisters would adore having more estrogen around."

"So head home and get to fucking packing Tink. The plane leaves the airport in three hours, so you two should be able to pack in that amount of time, I hope."

"Cosplayer, pack for hot temperatures. Bosco is experiencing a Christmas heatwave so there will be lots of beach activities and the nights don't fucking cool off in the least bit." Lucy laughed, thanked the men and promptly ran home to where Juvia was waiting for her.

"Did Lucy forget breakfast?"

"Sorry Juves, but you and I need to pack because we have been invited to Bosco!"

"Who has invited Lucy and Juvia?"

"Cobra, Bixy, Freed, and Farron. I met them coming out of the cafe as I rounded the corner. We have three hours to pack and get the airport."

"Can I be of assistance, Princess?" Virgo asked popping out of her own gate.

"Could you head to the dorms and grab all of Juvia's clothes, her suitcase, and bring it back here so we can pack together?" Virgo nodded her head, leaving to do her keyholder's wishes.

"Is Lucy sure she wants to take Juvia with her to Bosco?" Lucy spun around and stared at the blue haired mage before grasping her cool hands within her own and smiling brightly. "Absolutely! I wouldn't leave you behind Juvia and I think we both need this. Need this trip to get away from everything that is here and experience . . . everything that Bosco has to offer us for however long we are there for. I have a feeling those four will be staying in Bosco for at least the first week of January, but we don't have too. If either of us are uncomfortable, homesick, and think we've overstayed then we'll come back here, back to Magnolia. Deal?"

"Deal!" Juvia smiled back as Virgo came back with several bags of clothing and Juvia's bright blue suitcase. "How long should Juvia and Lucy pack for?"

"How about a week? We can pack a spare bag here and if we decide to stay longer than, hopefully, Virgo will be willing to bring them to us."

"Princess, why don't I just store everything in the celestial world until you get to Bosco? No baggage means no extra fees on the flight there."

"Excellent idea Virgo, thank you!" The girls got busy packing all of their clothes, shoes, accessories that they thought they'd need before Virgo took them with her as she left. She girls were all smiles as they arrived at the airport, immediately being shuffled off to the side where the others were.

"Why are we all over here?"

"Farron and Bix are kind of a big deal. You know, being the son of the top-ranked ambassador in Ishgar and brothers to the Master of White Sea." Lucy turned on Bickslow, punching him in the arm.

"What the fuck, Cosplayer!"

"How is it that I am just learning that your last name is Pradesh! You made it sound like Farron was just a family friend, not actual family, whenever we talked!"

"This'll be good," Cobra smirked to Farron, who was also smiling at the scene as Freed shook his head.

"I didn't think it was a big deal," Bickslow shrugged nonchalantly.

"Not a big deal! I idolize your father, have ever since I lived a the konzern taking my lessons. Your father came to the mansion one day and it was his words that ultimately made me decide to leave. He knew my mom Bix," Lucy whispered the last part as her hands rested on her heart, willing the tears to not fall. "I . . . I've always wanted to thank him for helping me, even though I doubt he knew how much he changed my life." Farron had pulled Lucy in for a hug as Bickslow ran a hand down his face. "Sorry, Bix. I didn't mean to get so upset over something so trivial, not when we are heading to your home to celebrate."

"He's not the most touchy-feely mate out there."

"Hey pot, I think you're kettle is a little black over there," Lucy giggled as the two mates were half-ass glaring at one another. "I don't want to spoil the mood so let's get going." Thankfully there were called to board so Lucy grabbed Juvia's hand and ran onto the aircraft.

"How much is Miss Lucy bottling up?" Freed asked the other three who would have a very good idea based on their magic.

"Her soul is sad, dulled, but there's nothing black there. It's usually a luminating pale yellow, on the brink of being white, but now it looks like . . . like lemon curd."

"When we ran into her earlier you could hear her musings too, right Erik?"

"Yea. All that bullshit about not being alone forever. Maybe if we're lucky a brother, or two, or three will find themselves lucky enough to land my Tink?"

"Your Tink?" Bickslow said with an eyebrow raised.

"You heard me perfectly fine, you ass."

"Well, I do have a fine ass." Cobra rolled his eye at his mate's flirty attitude. "You're going to have to explain this possessiveness over Cosplayer to me or I might think you're swinging for the other team."

"You're the only one for me or do I need to bite you again to remind you?" Cobra watched the heated look that burned in his mate's red eyes.

"Save all that pent up frustration for when we get home," Farron laughed at the couple. "You should talk to Cris or Emi about what you're feeling Erik. They spent time with Nurem so they'll have a better understanding of what's going on."

"Sorry Mr. Pradesh, but could we please get you, and your company, to board? We'd like to take off soon."

"Of course, sorry for the delay." Cobra and Freed headed to the stairs first, chatting about what kind of food would be served. Farron grabbed Bickslow's elbow to hold him back for a minute. "Did you tell Dad the girls were joining us?"

"Farron," Bickslow said with a slow, sly smile creeping onto his lips, "Why would I want to spoil the fun of this surprise to our poor, unsuspecting brothers?" Farron laughed at the younger Pradesh's idea and couldn't wait to see how their brother's reacted to Lucy.