~~Chapter Two~~
She sighed as he disappeared out of sight. She had no idea what was running through his thick skull. Why was he being so nice to her? Why was he concerned? And the most important question of all is why did he care? She couldn't deny that confiding in him earlier wasn't nice, it was rather different, but he was the last person she ever thought of chasing after her to comfort her. It wasn't like they interacted that much with each other before.
She dressed in a tank and boy cut short underwear. She didn't imagine leaving her apartment for the rest of the evening so why not take a relaxing nap? She snuggled under her covers, meshing with the soft mattress, Plue climbing next to her head and curling into a ball to join in on her nap.
A few hours later, knocking which had sounded like thunder booming raped her door. She pulled the covers over her head, praying whoever it was to go away. But they didn't. The knocking got more consistent and she heard un-identifying muffled voices behind the door.
With a loud groan, she flipped the covers as her feet meet the cold floor, stomping to the door cursing under her breath. "WHAT? What the hell is so important that you have to pound like a damn gorilla on my door!" Her audience silenced as her eyes steadied on who stood before her as they did a once over on her.
"It won't be that bad." Mira stated with a grin. "And she'll love it because of the hot springs."
His eyes shot daggers at her. "Choose a different one. I'm sure as shit don't want it to be awkward the entire time." The last part he mumbled. He grabbed the handle of his beer mug that was placed down in front of him, examining the job again. The place was a romantic couple's resort. The request was an odd one. His brow raised as he continued reading. All the men were cheating- or conducting affairs on their significant others. If it was one or two, the case would be dead, but stated was that it was every couple that has had a reservation there.
"I think you would have fun Laxus."
He took another swig. "Hardly. I don't do these kind of requests. Why don't I just pick an S class quest and bring her as an aide?" Why hadn't he thought of that in the first place? The paper that he was holding was suddenly ripped from his grasp, as chuckle roared behind him.
"So, this is the mission that you're taking Bunny girl on. Gihi." Gajeel leaned against the counter reading it. His metal piercing eye brows raising amused.
"So, you're taking Lu out on a mission? We were thinking of the same thing. Why don't we all go together?" Levy stood on his other side, perching in the empty seat.
Mira clapped her hands together. "This is perfect. I will relay that the quest was accepted. You guys can leave tonight. It's only a few hours away." She pulled out the book of requests and started writing the information.
"What the hell. What happened to me getting a say in this? And plus, how do you think Blondie is going to react knowing that we signed her up for a job without consulting her? I don't exactly want to get kicked or listen to her whine." Laxus grumbled rubbing his face. "Or the fact we just made one hell of a weird team for this occasion."
"Oh, come on. I think this will be exciting." Levy chimed. "And it'll be good for everyone. It's been hell of a year. And it'll give her an excuse to not think about him."
Laxus lowered his eyes. "Do I scream excitement?" She giggled at him which only made him groan. "I'm pinning this on you and iron brain over there. So, who is telling Lucy?"
"We all are. It'll be more fun that way." Gajeel stated a smirk on his lips as he tucked the job paper into his pocket.
"Well she can only take it one or two ways." Lily said. "With her emotions, there's really no way knowing how she'll take this. Especially her being signed up without consent." His arms crossed over his chest looking at the three that stood before him.
"Guys, I think you're overthinking this. It's Lucy we're talking about here." Mira spoke up.
"That's why we're worried." Gajeel grunted. "Have you ever felt one of her damn Lucy kicks? Yeah, they don't feel the greatest. She's actually knocked Natsu out once before. She may be tiny with a huge tits, but she can pack a kick that can make a grown man cry." Levy's face blushed as Gajeel mentioned Lucy's breasts, looking away knowing that Lucy was blessed.
The loud clink of a glass beer mug slamming on counter silenced the group as Laxus stood up throwing jewels to Mira. "If we're going on this, lets go."
He walked behind them as Gajeel, Levy, and Lily were in deep conversation about nonsense. He mentally wanted to run away instantly regretting, letting curiosity get the best of him. Now he was stuck going on a job with a talking cat, metal brain, script girl, and blondie.
They entered the foyer of the apartment plex, walking up the steps that lead to her door. Levy gently knocked first, waiting to hear commotion but all that got was silence.
"Hmm, weird. Maybe she's not home?" Lily insinuated.
"No, she's home. I can smell her." Gajeel said as he pounded on the door, making Laxus cringe.
"Yo, do you have to knock so hard?" Laxus asked annoyed.
"Bunny girl. You in there?" Gajeel hollered, his door pounding getting louder. Moments later, the door swung open revealing brown eyes that screamed pissed, the blonde huffing. Her hair stood all over the place, only dressed in a form fitting tank and panties.
Laxus chuckled.
"WHAT? What the hell is so important that you have to pound like a damn gorilla on my door!?" She spat loudly. Laxus watched as her face paled as she took in who was standing before her.
"Uh, Lu?" Levy said pointing down. Lucy looked down seeing that Levy was referring to her lack of clothes, resulting to her rolling her eyes.
"Seriously you guys? I was sleeping. At least I'm not naked." She closed the door on their faces.
"That went eh well." Gajeel said breaking the silence.
"Well we did evade her home." Lily replied slightly embarrassed and cheeks flushed from seeing so much of Lucy. The door reopened making them all jump as the blonde now stood there, dressed in black capris and the same tank.
"So, can someone explain to me why I have Laxus the lightning dragon slayer, Gajeel the iron dragon slayer, Levy the script mage and Lily the exceed standing at my door way? The group is even an eye brow raiser." She held the door open leaning away so they all could come in.
"Pack up blondie. We're going on a job." Laxus said as he leaned against the wall, his eyes meeting hers.
"Excuse me?" Her voice squeaked. "Who is we're exactly?" Her eyes swept the group. "Really? Us four? Wow." She mumbled. "What a combination."
"I think this will be fun, Lu. A change is nice every once in a while." Levy stated as she sat down at Lucy's desk, fiddling with the papers sitting on top hoping it was her new novel she had been working on.
"What kind of job is this exactly?" Lucy asked hands on her hips, her eyes staring at Laxus expecting him to answer when a paper was shoved into her face.
"Here." Gajeel said. Lucy mumbled under her breath as she un-creased the paper Gajeel had crumpled and scanned over it. Laxus watched her facial expressions from across the room. He watched as her eye brow would raise, then her eyes narrowed, and then bulged. She sighed sitting the paper down on the table.
"This screams Mira." She announced. "But I guess I'm on board considering I don't really have a choice."
"Great, now if only you knew the term hustle, so we can get going." Laxus commented.
"Shut up." Lucy snapped. "You came to my house, chose a job for me without asking if I wanted to go and now, you're demanding me to hurry? Just shut up." She pulled out a bag and started shoving a few outfits in grumbling.
"Not my damn choice." He responded. "I got roped into this just as much as you did. I wanted to just take an S class and bring you but these two insisted like Mira to take this one." She stopped packing and turned her head towards Laxus.
"So, you were choosing a job for me regardless?" Her eyes intimated him, but he couldn't look away. The dark chocolate brown, making him crave their attention.
"Not exactly."
"Elaborate because it still sounds like I wasn't going to have a choice in the matter." She zipped her bag standing up, searching for her boots. After shuffling on her boots, she ran her fingers through her hair pulling it back into a band.
"Does it matter?" He asked as she walked to stand in front of him.
"Yes, in fact it does. It matters to me." She stated, crossing her arms to mimic him, her head tilted up to stare back at him.
He smirked amused.
"Don't worry about it, Blondie. Some things are better left unknown." He winked at her, noticing the creased line forming on her forehead. He could tell she was getting worked up. The girl definitely did not like getting teased, but her reactions were priceless and addicting.
"I will refuse to go if you don't answer me." She threatened as she plopped down on the floor legs and arms crossed, a smile tugging at her lips as she watched his baffled expression.
"I hate to interrupt your lover spat, but we need to get going if we're going to make the train in time." Gajeel interrupted as Levy stood by his side from sitting.
Lucy shrugged not caring.
"Well, I'm not—hey you! Put me down!" Lucy squealed as hands wrapped around her waist, hoisting her over their shoulder.
"Then stop acting like a 12 year old." Laxus stated. He leaned down with her still on his shoulder and grabbed her bag. "Besides, the view is quite nice." He chuckled as she punched his back.
Lucy leaned her head against the window, staring out into the dark night. Why they chose to leave at such a late hour was beyond her. Gajeel laid across Levy's lap while Lily saw on top of his back with his eyes closed, all three of them napping. Laxus sat next to her, his arms crossed, and legs stretched out listening to his sound pod, something she hadn't seen him listen to in a long time.
"So would you finally enlighten me with the real reason to this job?" Lucy asked quietly, glancing at Laxus. He didn't move. She scrunched her nose, calling his name again.
Still no response.
She pushed off the glass to sit up, pulling off the ear bud to his sound pod. He jumped, his head snapping to look at her, quickly seizing her by the wrist.
"Don't touch." He hissed, still grasping her wrist.
"Hey let go." She barked back. "You weren't answering me. Had to get your attention somehow." He released his grip on her wrist, letting it drop back down to her lap.
"What?" He asked. "You have my undivided attention now."
"For the third time, what's the real reason behind this job?" She asked, her body now fully turned to face him. The music sounded on his sound pod in the silence.
"Why do you keep asking?" He returned her glare.
"Come on Laxus. This isn't you at all. Look at this group. Four people who have never worked with each other, besides Gajeel and Levy. You only ever work with the Thunder legion or solo. So, I can't see how you're surprised that I'm raising an eye brow to this." She explained. "Gajeel and Levy are my friends, Levy being one of my best friends, but you. You're still a mystery to me. I can't figure out your intentions." She looked down fiddling with her hands in her lap.
"I'm only looking out for you. You are family and you're suffering. Is there a crime for helping out a friend, family?" He watched as she slumped forward, her hands now covering her face.
"Thank you." She said. She sighed sitting back, her eyes glistening. "Thank you Laxus, again. Don't feel obligated. I can only imagine how awkward this is for-"
"Would you stop thanking me? I wouldn't have agreed to any of this if I didn't want to. So stop making it awkward." He cut her off. He closed his eyes as the feeling started in the pit of his stomach. He was fine when he was listening to his music, focusing on anything but being sick but with Lucy interrupting him, the feeling was starting to take over.
"Hey." He opened his eyes to look at her. "If you want, you can lay down. Lay your head in my lap. I don't mind, it always helped him." She said quietly. He grunted scooting down to lay his head down. He laid awkwardly, but none the less, he did feel somewhat better. Her lap was warm, he draped his arm across her lap, the other wrapping under her legs. He felt her tense under him as he was getting comfortable but relaxed after a few breaths. He felt her hand slowly comb through his hair.
"This does not leave this car." He groaned, burrowing his face into her lap.
"Not my business to tell. You get motion sickness, seems to be the trend among the slayers, hence why Gajeel is slumped over Levy, although I don't see how that is comfortable." She giggled, making her lap shake which only made him want to up chuck even more.
"Please don't laugh." He asked. He felt her fingers work through his hair again, soothing his nerves. He surprised himself when he took up her offer, but if it helped get rid of the god awful feeling, he was going to do whatever it took.
"So, a romantic couples resort. Hm. I can only imagine what Mira is trying to do." She turned towards the window, the stars in full shine with a full moon. "I understand. But time will heal itself. I'll be fine." He squeezed her thigh in response to her mumbling. She smiled and shut her eyes before sleep consumed her.
"Bunny girl." A voice spoke.
Silence.
"Seriously, blondie. Wake up." Laxus said leaning down, shaking the girl.
Her eyes shot open, standing up quickly in a panic to the shaking and her name being called only to head butt Laxus.
"Oh, damn it." She cursed holding her forehead, falling back down into the seat. "Shit Laxus." Laxus cursed under his breath, rubbing his forehead.
"Why'd you do that for?" he asked.
Gajeel started laughing.
"Come on, lets go before the train takes off. This is our stop." He ordered walking out of the car. Still holding her forehead, Lucy grabbed her bag with the other hand, cursing under her breath targeted towards Gajeel as they filed out.
"So, it's about a mile up the mountain," Levy started as she stared at the map. "If we just follow the path, it'll lead us straight to the Inn."
"Why am I suddenly getting a weird feeling about this job?" Lucy asked nobody in particular as they started up the path. Laxus trailed behind the group, keeping to himself as Lucy walked a few paces in front of him, taking in the surroundings. She couldn't deny how beautiful the place was, and the more beautiful it became as they traveled closer to their destination.
"Because it's a lovers resort." Laxus said. "What's not weird about it?" Lucy turned to walk backwards as she faced Laxus.
"So, does that mean that we are 'pretend' lovers? Because there's no way I'm acting with Gajeel, especially with Levy being with us." Her hands cuffed behind her back as she smiled at Laxus. Levy looked away from Gajeel, blushing.
"What's that supposed to mean?" Levy asked coyly. "Laxus and I could totally act." Gajeel shot her a dirty look at her direction.
"The hell you are. You're my partner in this." He stated, wrapping his arm around her shoulder. The Inn started coming into view as they got closer.
"About time, seem like we were walking for ages." Lucy complained. The place was astounding. It resembled a log cabin, a porch wrapping around the entire building. Huge windows facing out towards the mountains for such a breath taking view. She couldn't wait to watch the sun set in the evening time. She closed her eyes, taking a deep breath, inhaling the pure clean air.
"Blondie, you coming?" Laxus's voice startled her. She opened her eyes and peered at him. His hand was extended towards her, shaking it for her to grab it. "Come on, gotta make it more believable." She placed her hand in his, letting him lead the way.
LINE BREAK
"I want to thank you all for coming. I know it's such a weird request, but I just really want it to stop so couples will continue to come. Business has been slowly dropping due to the 'misfortunes.'" The owner stated, tears threatening her eyes.
"This place is so beautiful, it would be a shame if it closed up." Levy said sadly. Lucy walked around the lobby, landing herself in front of the windows. The view was breath taking, making her smile.
"It would be a shame. This place is perfect." She said happily, her eyes still glued to the windows.
"Great. Here are the keys to your rooms. Please help yourselves to anything." She said, handing the key cards to the boys.
Lucy followed behind Laxus as they searched for their rooms.
"Room A12. That's us." Laxus grumbled as he opened the door. Lucy raced in past him, taking in the room.
"Oh wow. This is beyond words." She gasped. One wall was lined with windows, and a door that lead to a balcony. There was a king size bed with a canopy occupying one wall.
"This place is too fancy." Laxus threw their bags onto the bed with a sigh.
"Fancy, yes. But it's breath taking. I mean, look at this view Laxus and tell me it doesn't take your breath away." She said dancing on the balcony. He watched her from the bed, a smile stealing her face. She looked at peace.
"The view is nice." He agreed as he walked to lean against the door frame to the balcony. "Want to get something to eat? I'm starving and I know you probably are too."
She stopped dancing and faced him. "Sure. Why don't we do a picnic?" She asked.
He raised an eye brow. "A what?"
"A picnic? You know pack food in a basket and go have food on the grass. A picnic." She explained. Laxus looked at her with a serious look.
"From the way you described that, I don't see how a picnic would be all that fun." He commented.
She groaned. "That's not the point you brute. The point of this is romance and picnics are supposed to be romantic. Besides, it'll give us some time to get to know each other a little better."
He shrugged giving up. "Whatever. Lead the way to this picnic." He saw the excitement in her eyes as she bounced past him, grabbing his hand on the way through dragging him with her.
"You won't regret this Laxus, and a plus we get to learn more about each other. I want to know all about this famous Laxus Dreyar. I mean, we are partners on this job after all."
"Famous? Hardly. What is there to know about me?" She released his hand as they continued down the hall way. She stopped to stare at a painting hanging on the wall. She stayed silent before turning towards him.
"You are a mystery, as I've stated several times. I know nothing about you besides you had an obsession with becoming next guild master, bad enough that you considered us weak and tried to make everyone battle it out. You are masters's grandson. You were exiled for a while but saved us back on Tenrou island. And you competed in the magic games. Those are just events. What I want is to know who you are. You are a closed book with blank pages. I want to fill in those pages." She pursed her lips as her eyes stare into his more deeply. "Do you understand?"
"My life is nobody's business. The less people know, the better." He responded.
"I call bull shit." She accused. "Look, you obviously took me under your wing. Signed me up for this. So, you at least owe me some one on one time to know more about you." They entered the lobby, seeing the owner behind the desk. "Hi, we were wondering where the kitchen was? We were wanting to make lunch for a picnic."
Laxus watched as Lucy conversed with the owner. He wasn't very thrilled that she was demanding to know his life. He didn't like people knowing his business or getting close to him. He had the thunder legion who, for the most part, knew him rather well. But to let Lucy in, would be signing a contract with the devil. Nothing against her, but she was playing a dangerous game wanting to get involved with him. He was weary from the moment he chased after her to see if she was okay. But something about her kept drawing him towards her and he couldn't stop the feeling.
"Hey, you ready?" Lucy's voice cut through his thoughts. She was carrying a big brown basket staring at him with concern.
"Do I really have a choice to be ready? Lead the way blondie." She frowned at him before shrugging, heading towards the door that lead outside. He followed after her, not knowing what was about to unfold. If he thought any other encounter with her was awkward, this one was going to top the cake. He felt his power surge through him as they stepped outside, him following behind her.
A/N: I want to give some shout outs to my reviewers. The motivation from you all helps so much and it really makes someone to strive. This chapter isn't as thrilling but next chapter will be based on the picnic and them 'learning' more about each other. Thank you all for reading.
LaluHeart777- I want to thank you so much. I will continue this no matter what. I really enjoy reading LaLu's just because there is an overabundance of NaLu's, it's nice reading something different and my next choice after NaLu would be Lalu's :)
Suzaaboelofse- Thank you! I will try to update at least weekly, and depending on my free time I will try for twice a week, but I also have 2 other ongoing stories so I have to try and divide my time and attention.
Guest- We will see later on, right now, Laxus can't figure out what he wants. He keeps going back and forth between the softy and being a closed book.
Fairytail-fanfic-reader- Thank you. I have lots of different idea's in mind. Also trying to stray away from anything that would be considered repetitive storyline.
Kurosaga Kurugi He definitely will have a tough front but he will eventually open up! Thank you for the review.
Super Shadow 2018- I still am going to find a way in for your suggestion as we talked about. Thank you for the review! Thanks for the chaos control ;)
3- Thank you. Here is an update! :)
NerdmomDM- Thank you so much. I hope you enjoy chapter 2 and thank you for the review.