The Joke is on me

Well it seems that there is no end to my humiliation today. I should have stayed at home rather then coming to the guild.

Everyone calmed down, some of them were still in shock but life continued on.

I sipped my drink after calming myself down. Plue went home after saying sorry at least a million times, but I couldn't stay angry at him. He's the cutest little bugger ever, but Happy, oh I gave him a stern lecture on not doing anything so silly and nerve wrecking ever again. He was a little sad but I promised him a BIG fish if he were to promise to not do it again. He gave me a little pout and looked at me with big glistening eyes, but at the mention of fish he agreed so quickly like all of it never happened in the first place.

Why am I surrounded by such weird friends? I'll never know, and they call ME weird! Pfff

Natsu and Happy went to look for Lisanna to drag her on a fishing trip. It seems silly to me when Mira says that Natsu and me would be a great couple, like how he already comes to my place so often and is practically attached to my hip. But I don't see it that way, as a matter of fact I could never see him in that light. He's my best friend, my first friend. Sure I was confused when at the beginning Mira suggested he was going to confess but later it proved a fluke. I wasn't disappointed just really angry at myself and embarrassed for thinking like that and for believing Mira.

She certainly is a demon matchmaker, but not a good one. Hihihi

I looked around, everyone was acting normal by now. The excitement died down considerably. But a slight move from the left caught my eye . Laxus.

He was languidly sitting next to me drinking a beer and chatting with the Rajinshu. After the whole spectacle of him laughing like a horse he managed to hiccup and seat himself next to me muttering something like „This whole business made me thirsty. Damn Blondie." I just sighed and turned around from him trying to conceal my form to be as small as possible. Buut I did't come fort as unnoticed as I hoped I would.

Mira caught my eyes and came to me as fast as Speedy Gonzales. I gulped in fear of her matchmaking mode. Crap , just what I need right now.

I tried to put a smile on my face but it turned a little shaky. Well what did you expect, I never did like the attention on me, and today was a frickin carnival. Just needed the fireworks and it would've been a perfect show! I scoff to myself mentally.

„Hey Lucy. Are you feeling all right? That was quiet a performance." She says with a hint of laughter, that devious glint shining from her eyes.

I exhale loudly and say with a little bit of annoyance that crawled in my voice. „Miraaa! Don't be such a meanie. It isn't my fault that damn cat has no sense at all. He could have hurt me real bad. My back is still aching and my butt feels even worse" Still feeling the pain I rub my back and slowly with my fingers massage my upper behind. Just the slight mention of my fall brings back the pain.

I was expecting to hear some retort from Mira, but just as she was trying to say something she got interrupted.

„Need a massage Blondie? I'm really good with my hands, at least that's what they tell me. Wanna give it a try?" I turn around not believing my ears, my hands still on my back and face him. I froze just like that, thinking what the hell?

Laxus just smirks at me and flexes his arms bringing my view to his defined muscles right to his big hands that were holding a large mug of beer. Whoa, he sure does have some big hands. I wonder if it's true what they say about them. Maybe he's big everywhere. I sure hope so.

I blush trying to stammer a response. My perusal didn't go unnoticed by him.

He winked at me and propped his body on the pillar behind him, giving me a view of his delicious abs, his sexy tattoo that was peeking from the corner of his shirt and all that beautiful skin I just wanted to lick on the spot. I unconsciously licked my lips. Whoa Lucy, you just went to lala land. But damn, he's sexy as sin.

„Laxus, dude chill. Can't you see you just broke Cosplayer." More snickers followed from every side of me.

Bickslow's statement broke me from my reverie. I shook my head trying to dispel my naughty thoughts.

„Bickslow I can't blame Blondie for liking what she sees. Because damn I sure as hell like what I see right now." Laxus says with a proud grin etched on his face still perusing his gaze over me while Bickslow just guwafs with laughter. You say whaaat? Oh hell no.

I compose myself. „You're Blond too Laxus if you haven't noticed." I lean towards him pushing my large bust slightly and purr seductively. „ And by the way „ – I bring my head slightly to his, my lips almost touching his cheek as I get up and say : „I don't have a thing for blondes. It makes me feel a little narcissistic." I saw the stretching smirk then the widening of his eyes with my vicinity to his face as I blew him off. I proudly sauntered to the job request board, all the way swaying my hips.

The look of disbelief on his face was priceless. I smiled to myself and mentally snickered.

I sure as hell ain't easy, if you want me thunder butt you'll have to work for it.

„What a burn! Ahahahah. Yo Boss, you okay, you look shell shocked!" Evergreen punched him with her fan, while Freed tried to compliment the almighty Laxus. Trying to repair his pride as a man I suppose.

„Oww, what was that for Evie? I'm just saying what it looks like. He got buuurned! Ahahahah." Zaaap. „Heeey, that's not fair!" It seems like the thunder butt recovered from shock. Hihihihi.

„Oh, Lucy! You naughty, naughty little girl! I never knew you had it in you to be such a flirt. You're full of surprises. It makes me wonder what else you're hiding. Hmm?"

I turn my gaze to her and smile sweetly. „Mira, dear I don't know what you're talking about.."

„Those innocent eyes of yours don't fool a demon. Not in the slightest." She propped her arms on the counter, chin in her little white delicate hand. Amused by her statement I just twirl a strand of my hair with my finger, strike a cute pose and wink at her.

„What innocent eyes Mira? I can be a demon just like you, except I don't show it as often as you do. A girl 's gotta have depth, you know. A pretty face can't get you everything"

„True, very true. But we all know here you're not just a pretty face. This is after all FAIRY TAIL. Nothing is what it seems to be here. And you my dear Lucy are an enigma to me."

„ Ah, thank you Mira, I think. I try not to be too predictable. Where's the fun in that?"

Did she just insult me or compliment me? I furrow my eyebrows in slight confusion but ignore the dark thoughts that immediately swarm my head, clips of shadows and sinister cold. Does she think me sinister or evil? I wonder…Have my nightmares changed me. No,- I state vehemently in my head- I was always like this. I couldn't see myself like that, not ever, but maybe others…

She laughs delicately, probably seeing the confusion she invoked in me.

„Yes Lucy, it was a compliment. Maybe you can be sometimes demonic, but never bloodthirsty. That title still belongs to me." She winks at me, as I can only describe devilishly. „But you can be predictable sometimes, like I need rent money! Hahhahah"

I sigh mentally in relief. Silly Lucy.

„Ohh, you reminded me, I need to find a job quickly. I reeeealy need rent money." Mira just laughs at me, pointing my predictability . Eh, who can blame me? „I'm going solo this time, don't want to end up paying repairs this time because of a certain someone.." I give a cursory glance to the board when I'm reminded that I haven't seen neither Erza nor Gray today. I look toward Mira who was wiping the counter and ask her albeit with confusion. „Mira where are Erza and Gray? I haven't seen them today at all." And Erza would've probably defended my honor today. And beat up everyone who laughed at me. Hihihihi. Gotta love her swords.

„Hmm, let me think. Aha, Erza went on a S-Class mission on Master's orders two days ago, something about monsters flooding the village and drowning people. She took Gray and Juvia with her. They should be back tonight or tomorrow afternoon. It all depends on how Juvia and Gray act, I'm afraid. But I'm sure she can get them in line, they're not bothersome as much as Gray and Natsu together."

I harumphed to myself. Dealing with a love sick Juvia is never easy. Gray really should sit down with her and explain some things. It's really not healthy to have such an obsession. It will get worse for everyone if he doesn't. I really don't like seeing Juvia so exposed to the ridicule of others, and I'm her so-called Love Rival, but really she's a great friend to me as is Gray. It's high time they start acting like adults they are and not like children. I think I'll talk to Gray about it, maybe I can pour some sense into his frozen brain. Ughh don't look forward to it.

Mira was just about to go and refill someones beer when I shouted to her. „Hey Mira, would you mind telling Erza when she comes back to come see me, I have to talk with her about something. Make sure you tell her to do so, when she has time. I'll go on a mission today, so if I'm not back before she comes home, tell her for me, okay?" She waves at me and nods her head obligingly.

I turn my head back to the board, trying to find something useful, but not too hard. Mhm monsters attacking a city, nope, move one, nothing with monsters at least not really big ones. Solving a puzzle, nope, I'll leave that to Levi, let's see what else. Escorting a rich nobleman to Magnolia, HECK no. Ahaa found it, purrrrfect.

Capture a rogue mage who kidnapped a little girl and boy.

Need immediate assistance, time is of value.

Reward: 85, 000 J + 1 Silver key

Oak Town, Town Hall report to mayor Shizuma

It even gets me a silver key. That bastard, kidnapping small children, I despise those men, they're lower than scum. I need to hurry, who knows what he can do to them in the meantime. I wonder why no one took this job, who could disregard such a plea? Oh well, no need to dwell on these thoughts.

I take the request with me and head to the guild door, when suddenly someone pops in my view. And that someone turned to be, no other then thunder butt a.k.a Laxus.

What does he want now? Hasn't he tortured me enough for one day? I huff loudly in exasperation. I've had my quota of him for today.

„What do you want thunder butt? I'm in a hurry." I say with little patience for him.

„Tch Blondie. Why so mad little demon? Just trying to have a conversation, and if anything"- he leans close to my face to whisper in my ear – „ You can call me thunder dick. I'd like to hear how you say it. Mmm coming from your plump lips it would sound so delicious."

I blush lightly, just his proximity started to turn me on. This is soo unreal. What's gotten into him today?

„You know Laxus" – I lean away from him, never looking away from his eyes - „it's not nice to eavesdrop. And for your information if that's the best you got you should really find better pick up lines. I can send you Loki, he's the best when it comes to charming ladies."

Surprised I retorted so indifferently he leaned back to observe my expression. Seeing that I was dead serious he tried a different approach.

„You really have a lot of spunk don't you." An almost gentle smile graced his lips. His grey eyes so deep with emotion I was floored. Is he hiding behind that facade?

„ I have dragon slayer senses, it's not like I can ignore my hearing. And your voice is calming." Did he just say that with a straight face? My mouth was slightly wide from that shocking statement while he just watched me process with a calm face. Eyes boring into mine. Well it seems I'm not the only one who's full of surprises today.

I composed myself for the fifth time today. I narrow my eyes and say with conviction.- „That doesn't excuse you. I'm not a piece of meat for you to ogle and comment on. Even if you're hot it doesn't mean I'll immediately jump on you. Now please excuse me, I have to go on a mission." I turn to head out but he stops me by lightly gripping my arm and once again turning me to him. „What now?"

„You think I'm hot?" he laughs with merit, I huff and try to go, but he grips my arm tighter. He sobers up quickly. „Wait. I'm sorry. What did you mean by you wouldn't jump on me? What's wrong with me? Does that mean if it was anyone else you'd jump on them, rather than me?" He searches my eyes for an answer. Can you believe this guy?

„No, Laxus. If you knew me at all you wouldn't even think to say that. You're arrogant, cocky and oh so sure of yourself. I admit you have your good qualities, but it all comes down to the fact that I don't know you and I'm not that kind of a girl you pegged me for. Is that it?" I say impatiently.

„Look I never meant to leave that impression with you. I'm sorry for that, I never meant to disrespect you. It's true, you don't know me but I'd like to get to know you. I want us to be friends if it's possible and maybe sometime in the future more than that. What do you say? Will you give me a chance?" His eyes were pleading with me to say yes. I wasn't so sure that it was a good idea. But it can't hurt, right? It's always nice to have a new friend. I disregarded the other part of being more. It all just took me by surprise. But I suppose I can try being his friend.

I can tell he became anxious, he was furrowing his eyebrows slightly and looking so intesivly at me like he's gonna find some untold secret in my eyes. It was endearing a little bit. The great almighty Laxus afraid of ol me rejecting his offer of friendship. Who would've guessed?

„Yeah we can be friends, as long as you don't make fun of me." I say with a pleasant smile.

His whole face relaxed along with his body, I didn't notice that he was so tensed. It must've meant a great deal to him then. He gave me a small sincere smile. Huh.

„Hahhaha, that's a given." „Heeey!" „ Just joking Blondie."

„Yeah, right, I'm heading out now. See you around." He released me from his hold, still looking at me.

„Yeah, see you around." I walk away from him, not turning around to look back. I was afraid if I did I would stay with him. I felt his gaze on me, boring into my head.

What is it with that guy? First he charms me then pisses me off royally then charms me again…

Someones head needs to be examined and I'm not completely sure it has to be his. Men.

The sun is high up in the sky, a breeze is blowing gently and the clock tower just struck 12.

I didn't know I've been in the guild for so long.

It seems like it's gonna be a wonderful day. People are mulling around going about their own business. I wish I could do that. Just wander around freely, without thought and sense. Just feel the nature around as I let myself go with the flow and just day dream about a happy place with no shadows. Because it seems to me that lately every good thing that has happened is somehow laced with slithers of shadows. Don't be delusional Lucy.

Right, right, silly me. I should hurry home and pack. I step up my pace and in no time I'm in my little abode. I go to my closet and try to find my travelling bag. Ughh, so many boots. I really shouldn't buy so many stuff. Aha, here it is. Now lets see what I have in here. Medic bag, towels, painkillers, shower gel and shampoo and that's it. Now all I need is a pair of panties, a bra, a couple of t-shirts and jeans. I've gotten use to wearing jeans when I go to missions. After all me and Gray were the two from our team that always lose our clothes, he subconsciously and me on purpose, because I always get perverts who wanna undress me. So I decided that I would go with jeans on every mission. A girl can take so much exposure.

Yosh. Now I need to replace this T-shirt. Happy's tears made it stuck to my skin. Gross.

I wiped myself with a wet towel and put on a short sleeve hot pink T-shirt. Now I'm ready to go. Keys are secure on my belt, whip as well, black leather gloves in my back pocket and my black leather jacket across my shoulder. Time to rock 'n' roll baby. I feel like a rock star too, I laugh at my silliness.

I hurry to the Magnolia train station, buy a ticket, and wait patiently for the train to arrive.

I sat on the bench thinking the best ways how to handle this mission. It's a shame I don't have a spirit that tracks by scent, but I could tell Gemini to turn into one of the dragon slayers, so it's not a problem. He's probably hiding in the woods. The request was somewhat new, so he shouldn't be far from Oak Town. I shudder at the thought of going alone in the woods. Lately I haven't handled dark places so well, they just bring my nightmares to surface. I could probably summon Loki to go with me. He uses light magic after all.

WHHIIIIII CHUCHUCHUU!

Damn, I completely forgot about the train. I jerked so hard my bag fell of my lap. I was so concentrated on my line of thinking that the train whistle took me by surprise.

I managed to find an empty compartment and I took a seat by the window. I always loved watching scenery pass me by. It brings me comfort.

„ Dear passangers we will now depart from Magnolia. We'll arrive in Oak Town in aproximately four hours."

I settle in my seat and look around. It seems I'm alone. Just how I like it. It gives me time to think about some things.

Mostly about my nightmares. Ever since the GMG finishied I've been feeling uneasy in my skin. It was, what, two monts ago. The nightmares haven't started immediately after, but lets say I haven't had any pleasant dreams either. No, they started two weeks ago. I came home from a mission with Team Natsu. We battled some mages with freaky skills. One had the power of illusion, the other something about controlling emotions, and the third the dark power of black holes. We divided ourselves, Erza took the illusionist, Natsu the one with dark power and me and Gray the one controling emotions. It was a tough fight and I can certainly say I came changed from that job.

That unease that was following me weeks prior surfaced with the presence of desperation and fear that mage bombarded us with. It was as if I was floating in the sea of nothingness, then suddenly clarity. These emotions were somehow trapped in the back of my mind and that mage set them free from its prison. Luckily Gray managed to strike back then we defeated him easily. But I was still shaken inside. Wondering what all of that meant. Sure I was scared when I fought Minerva, petrified really, but I overcame it. Flare was a minor scare, but Future Rogue was the icing on the cake. Everyone was frightened, but not as much as me. I SAW him kill me in cold blood, I felt his poison and it terrified me. But he was defeated by Natsu and all went to how it was. Even the dragons.

And now I'm left wondering what could have caused this. I just feel so lost and insecure. I wish it would stop, but I can't make it stop if I don't know what's causing this. That monster in my dreams, I can't recognize him. For some reason I can't explain, but once I'm there in his realm all my hope vanishes and walls close down on me and I lose myself, the light fades out and all I can do is to pray I wake up. Some days I fear that one night I'll go to sleep and never wake up. I'll be left with his demons and sinful shadows. And him.

It's my greatest fear. I shudder with trepidation.

It couldn't be Future Rogue, he's dead, Natsu made sure of that. It's male that's for sure, but who? Is it a figment of my imagination or someone real, someone who invades my mind just to torture me for the fun of it. Or is there a bigger purpose?

I don't know but I intend to find out. Even if it kills me.

I look through the window, it's not so bright anymore. The train will surely stop soon.

This day sure was eventful. I smile to myself when I think about it, about Laxus.

I never thought he liked me like that. His laugh was so beautiful, I never knew he could laugh with so much merit. It seems I'm not the only one. The whole guild was surprised he let go. Maybe we'll become good friends. I hope so. He sure looks like he could use one, the mayority still fears him. It couldn't hurt to show everyone he's just human, like everybody else albeit an extremely sexy and powerful human.

I hope it doesn't come back and bite me in the ass

I sigh to myself and think that my life just got more complicated than it was. The train stopped and the speaker announced the arrival to Oak Town.

Yosh. Lets earn me some Jewels.