Disclaimer #1: I don't own Fairy Tail, Hiro Mashima does.
Disclaimer #2: The art for my title pic was done by artist AS Daminitri.
Chapter 2: Rebuilding
The guild hall reconstruction is closing on completion. We probably had another hour until lunch break, it was hot today so I had taken my shirt off as I worked. I had been given heavy labour duties due to my physique, not complaining at all because it's like a workout. I had worked alongside most of the members over the last couple days, even if only for a few minutes. I did this purposely to catch up with everyone, it was out of my comfort zone but I feel I have to make an effort particularly as the guild is reforming. It amazed me how much I did enjoy talking to everyone; I could tell they were surprised when I started up a conversation.
I looked around observing everyone as they were working. For a warm blooded male some things stuck out more than others. Like Lucy, she had on a fucking string bikini, all white. She had a great body for swim suits, all her curvy features wrapped in the smallest amount of white cloth, it should be illegal. Lisanna, Juvia and Kinana were wearing a classic bikini top with short pants as bottoms. Just about every other female was wearing less than usual, bar Cana of course. And not to mention the sweat that from all the work glistened on their skin to take the hotness to another level. The view around here was doing nothing but bring forth my carnal desires.
The sound of orders being dished out turned my gaze to Erza. She had on what I would describe as 'foreman' attire – high vis vest, protective footwear and a hard hat. I couldn't help but chuckle; she really did things in 'her' way. While she was giving out orders I found her incredibly sexy. She'd always been bossy, but this was different. This was confidence and power. When a woman has that it's intoxicating, conjuring lust from deep within. I wonder if it's that she's Master now I am viewing her differently, or it's that I am actually taking the time to look at her.
A bell rings, I guess its lunchtime.
"Hey Erza, do you want me to bring out those sandwiches we prepared this morning?"
"Yes Kinana that would be great. Should I help you?"
"No it's fine, Maki and I should be okay".
A voice came from over my shoulder. "Oh, so we're going to eat food that you prepared, Erza?". Laxus surprised me a little. As per usual a cocky grin is plastered across his face, but he also spoke in a flirtatious tone. I was looking at him this morning so maybe he noticed that, and thinks I have a thing for him. I was merely observing that he was talking to everyone, which was out of character for him. I wouldn't lie to myself that Laxus working without a shirt on was also warranting my attention, but I wouldn't be only girl here in that regard. His abs are chiseled to perfection, you knew his muscles were hard by looking at them and they begged you to touch them. After a brief pause I smiled and answered him.
"Yes Laxus. Kinana and I made sandwiches this morning for you all. I hope they are sufficient"
"Ok everyone lunch is served" Maki signalled as she began distributing platters of sandwiches. There would be enough for everyone, I was certain of that. Only problem is when you have guys like Natsu who can't stop themselves. And on cue Natsu spoke out.
"The fuck is this? Strawberry and whipped cream sandwiches?"
"I've got jam and icing sugar. Fuck, who let Erza make these?"
That's right I forgot most people do not like my sandwich slash cake fillings, which I found to be divine.
"Well if you're not hungry then don't eat" Laxus berates Gray.
"Easy for you to say Laxus, you don't have a pop tart in your hand"
"Gray stop being a pussy. If you really want to, we can trade"
"Alrigh -" Gray was cut off by Juvia's glare.
"Gray-sama you know better than to trample on the feelings of those who prepare your food. Now apologise!" Juvia reprimanded Gray, folding her arms without breaking eye contact. It was funny to see Gray being submitted by Juvia for a change.
"You're right Juvia. I am sorry Erza" Gray looks to me as he apologised. I smile and wave down his concern.
"Huh. It seems like you really are a pussy, Gray" Gajeel couldn't help himself. Juvia glared at him too but Gajeel just smirks.
Other guild members join in. "Yea being out in the woods with Juvia for half a year really whipped him into shape"
"I heard Juvia bought him a dog collar for his birthday"
"I knew Gray would be like this, he has no balls"
"What was that Natsu? No balls?" Gray immediately stripped his shirt and was about to do the same to his pants but was stopped by Lucy, leaving Juvia displeased.
After everyone stopped laughing most went discussing in their own groups. I am seated with Mira, Freed, Gray and Laxus.
"Fucking Natsu. He has no shame"
"But you walked into that one Gray"
"Yea Laxus" Gray sighed. "I'm seeing Juvia now, well kind of. It's nice I guess. She still goes over the top but it's not as bad before. What about you guys?
Freed and Mira quickly glance at one another and blushed. It was adorable.
"M-Miss Mirajane and I, well, we are now dating" Freed stuttered. Mira was looking down, her ears were the colour of my hair. I got up and sat next to Mira and gave her a gentle hug. Gray looked surprised while Laxus was unfazed; I guess Freed would have told him first, maybe even asked for permission knowing Freed.
"Congratulations Mira and Freed". I squeezed Mira a little tighter. "I wish you guys the best"
"Thank you Erza. I will do my best to make Mirajane happy". I could feel Mira smiling on my shoulder. For all her efforts as a matchmaker she is completely overwhelmed with her own match. She is so cute like this.
"What about you Laxus? You have a girl? Girls?"
Laxus chuckled. "No Gray I am not weighed down by the old ball and chain like you guys. And my playboy days are pretty much behind me".
"You're in your twenties aren't you? Even old Gildarts gets around"
"Don't compare me to that geezer. I'm not putting the cue in the rack, I just don't wanna bar hop every night, it's bothersome"
"So you're looking to settle down?" Gray raises his eyebrows in scepticism.
"Well in a way. I'm old enough to think about starting a family, but still young enough to have fun without getting serious"
"Fair enough dude"
"What about you, Erza? How's it going with Jellal?" Laxus asked as he turns to me.
I knew it would come around to me sooner or later. I hadn't even talked about this Mira, Lucy or the girls since we reunited. I know everyone expects me to get with Jellal sooner or later. It could still happen, but with him not being able to forgive himself for his past it's either I wait until he can forgive himself or I open my mind to possibilities with others. I don't feel I need to hide this from anyone, it's just a topic I am not really comfortable with.
"Well I – Jellal and I are not together. I am not dating anyone". I try to say this calmly without being too emphatic, or too timid. I think I achieved that.
Mira looked up at me with warm eyes as to say 'I'm here if you want to talk'. Laxus' expression told me he knew there was more to it. There was, but it wasn't anything big. Just when I thought he was gonna press me for details…
"Erza, I think it's time I taught you some magic. The three great Fairy magics". Laxus says while holding up 3 fingers.
"What? You can use all 3?"
"Yes Gray. I was taught all 3 spells, but Fairy Law is the one I have greater affinity for. Erza is Master so it's fitting that she knows all 3 spells".
"You can teach me them, Laxus?"
"Yea. I'd only need to teach you the stances and timing, the rest depends on your magic power and how fast you can pick it up. After I teach you them you'd have to practice for a long time. The scrolls for the spells are in the archives below the guild if you want to read up on them".
I was pleasantly surprised to say the least. Not only did the subject of conversation change, but the possibility of learning the great Fairy magics arises? Being Master doesn't mean you have to be the strongest in the guild, but Laxus is right being a Fairy Tail Master you should know all 3. It'd remove any doubt in my mind that I am now Master. Ever since I had been appointed the title had felt surreal. I took charge when I could, like managerial duties for the guild or organising the re-construction of the guildhall, but it still felt like something was missing.
"Thanks, Laxus. I will take you up on your offer, I'll be in your capable hands".
"Sure, Erza. When would you like to start?"
"How about after the guildhall is finished? That'd also give me some time to read the scrolls"
"That sounds good". Laxus gets up from his seat, and nods to me before walking away. I really didn't know what else to say at him at this point, again he had made me happy. This is a guy who used to piss me off all the time. I don't have many fond memories of him when I was young. He was a bully, or a jerk, or he'd completely ignore you. He was awkward around those he didn't know, and the only people who ever said anything decent about him were Master, the Raijinshuu and Gildarts. Is the current Laxus I am seeing the one that they've always known?
A/N - Thank you for reading. I have the next chapter done, so will proofread it and start the 4th; so expect the next chapter in the upcoming days.
Also how awesome was Ch447 just recently! Thanks again, mynameiz.
