AN: You have no idea how much love I have for you guys. Thank you so much for the amazing responses. The amounts of reviews, favs, and alerts have blown my mind. I wanted to have this chapter posted by New Year's Day or the latest Friday, but I ended up getting sick on New Year's Eve and I've just recuperated my health. This chapter ended up being longer than I planned. Even so I have my fingers crossed that you like it.
"I woke up, I was stuck in a dream
You were there, you were tearing up everything
And we all know how to fake it
And we all know what we have done"
Under the blankets Laxus woke up cold. He uncurled, from the ball form he had curled into before falling asleep, and turned to his other side trying to reach out to the figure that should have been next to him only to find it empty. His small hand touched cold blankets. He forced his eyes open only to be met with darkness.
His heart lurched within his chest. "Mother," he called out softly into the darkness, uncertainty tainting his voice. When he didn't receive a response Laxus sat up to see light spill from a crack of the open door that led to the bathroom. Without a second thought he shoved the covers off of him and crawled out of bed.
He ignored the coldness that stung his feet when they touched the hardwood floor and quickly made his way to the door. He pushed the door open and saw through squinted eyes his mother standing in front of the sink staring into the mirror. "Mom." Laxus rubbed his eyes with his knuckles when they burned because of the sudden light.
"Laxus." He heard her say and approach and felt her hand run through his hair. "What are you doing up?"
He stopped rubbing his eyes and looked up at her. Laxus was about to tell her that he had woken up cold, but it was then he noticed that his mother looked different. He had just gotten used to seeing the dark bag under her eyes and the hollowness in her cheeks. What stopped him was the sight of her hair. When he had gone to bed it was a cascade of silver that flowed down her back and curled into ringlets near the end reaching her waist, but now there was no ringlets. Her hair was short with the ends just barely brushing her chin.
"Sweetheart." She crouched down and met his gaze. "What is it?"
"Your hair." His small hand reached out to touch the ends of her silver strands in disbelief. It almost seemed like a dream, but once his fingers seeped through her silver hair he knew it was real.
"I cut it." She told him simply and pulled him closer to her.
Now he no longer felt so sleepy. "Why?" He asked knowing how much she loved her long hair. She once told him that his father liked her long hair and it was one of the first things that caught his attention next to her voice. Laxus liked her long hair too, he liked how soft it felt whenever he would touch it.
Her arms tightened around him and Laxus could feel her body tremble. "I thought it was about time I go for a new look."
Laxus nodded even though he didn't get why his mother wanted a new look. She looked beautiful with her long hair, she still looked beautiful to him with short hair. She always looked beautiful to him.
"Let's get you to bed." She lifted him up. "It's late and a young boy such as yourself shouldn't be up at this hour."
He wrapped his arms around her shoulder and legs around her waist and held on tightly hoping that it would ease her trembling. His face buried in the crook of her neck.
It was only when she laid him in bed did he let go and he waited for her to get under the covers before snuggling up to her. His head lay on her shoulder, his right arm curled over her ribs and his right leg thrown over one of hers, while the arm under him pulled him closer to her and her left hand carded through his hair. He felt drowsy under her ministrations.
"Mom…"
"Hmm."
"I think I need a haircut."
"…Okay."
He felt her lips press against his forehead as he fell asleep once again warm in her arms.
"Mother." The words slipped out of Laxus' lips as he slowly regained conscious and felt someone touching his hair.
"Sorry," he heard a familiar voice say with hints of affection and amusement, "but I'm too young to be one."
What? He thought half-awake as the smell of something woodsy entered his lungs. His eyes slid open as his mind registered the familiar scent. The sight of a smiling Evergreen greeted him.
"I was wondering when you'd wake up." She said and bit back a frown when Laxus sat up and his eyes roamed the room frantically.
Laxus stayed silent as his gaze moved around his surroundings taking in the sight of his living room. He reassured himself that he was sitting in his living room and not lying in bed with a woman long dead in a bed that no longer existed.
"Laxus." Evergreen called out worried seeing the measured breaths her leader took. "Are you okay?"
He closed his eyes and focused on the sound of Evergreen's heartbeat. His heart was beating out of sync and let her heart guide him back to a beat that didn't leave him feeling so disoriented. "What time is it?" He asked once his heart slowed to its average beat.
"A few minutes passed six."
He leaned back into the couch. "What happened to never waking up before seven because it interferes with your beauty sleep?" Laxus peaked at her through one eye.
"Clearly there are exceptions to the rule." She huffed pulling the couch pillow from behind his lower back and hugged it to her chest before taking a seat beside him. Both of them now faced the TV.
"I know." He smirked. "You don't have to say it."
"Say what?" She glanced at him.
"I'm the exception to every rule."
Her response was to hit him with the pillow.
His retaliation was to snatch the pillow from her and put it under his arm.
They both looked back at the TV and were silent as they watched a man and woman kissing in the rain.
"I didn't know you liked romantic movies."
"I don't, but I knew you were sleeping over and it wouldn't be long for you to join me."
"Liar." She accused him glaring.
He turned to face her. "It was either this or porn." He said in a serious tone. "You know what happened last time."
Evergreen felt her face burn. "I thought we made a pact to never speak of that incident again."
"If I recall I remained silent during that exchange."
"You didn't disagree to it." She growled.
"I didn't agree to it either." One of his favorite pastimes was teasing Evergreen. The fairy was one of the few people he knew that could dish out as good as she got.
"Laxus…"
"Hmmm?"
"Do you want me to tell Bickslow that it was you who found his collection of porn and threw it in the trash?"
"Touché."
Silence settled over them, but it was only short-lived.
"So, why didn't you spend the night with Elfman?"
"Freed was going to spend the night with Mira." She sighed exasperated. "Seeing him without a shirt once is one to many times."
Laxus faintly remembered a time in which Evergreen entered the guild with Freed right behind her apologizing profusely. When Bickslow asked what happened neither had been willing to share any information so Laxus shrugged the matter away. "So they do sleep together."
"They probably do more than sleep."
"Interesting."
"What did you think, that Mira would wait until the wedding night?"
"I was thinking more along the lines that Freed would."
A chuckle slipped passed Evergreen's lips.
Laxus smirked as he watched Evergreen place her hand over her mouth to stop the chuckles from spilling out, but was failing miserably. The memory of his mother was the last thing on his mind. Perhaps today will be a good day, after all there was a Celestial Spirit Mage that wanted to talk to him and he was willing to listen.
Lucy woke up to the smell of bacon. Her stomach grumbled in response. She turned on her belly to face away from the sun that shined through her window. Her eyes slowly slid opened and she blinked a few times to get her eyes to adjust to the brightness of the room.
"I knew the smell of bacon would wake you."
She lifted her head and looked through narrow eyes to see Loke stepping out from behind one of the turquoise curtains that led to the kitchen. He was holding a fork in one hand, while the other was placed on his waist as he leaned his weight to one leg. He wore usual attire consisting of a black suit with a tie, but this time with a pink apron that matched the pink of her Fairy Tail mark. The words "I" and "Lucy" were written in red and between both words laid a gigantic red heart. The sight of the apron brought a small smile to her lips. "Good morning Loke."
Loke was caught off guard by the smile. It had been a while since he had seen a genuine one. All his past attempts had failed and her forced ones hurt more than seeing her without a smile did. "Good morning Lucy." This time his smile came easier.
It was a strange for this morning Lucy felt a little different. After last night events she should feel ashamed and not be able to look at Loke. A part of her did, but it was different. She could still meet his eyes and when he took a seat on her bed she didn't hesitate to throw her arms around her Lion.
His heart ached at the contact. He couldn't remember the last time Lucy was the one to initiate contact with him like this after Aquarius' sacrifice. A heartbeat later his arms wrapped around her and held her closer. His vision blurred with unshed tears as he laid his cheek on top of her head. He could feel the Lucy he knew returning, slowly but surely. He knew that this time she will come back stronger than ever.
As much as he wanted this moment to last he knew that it had to come to an end. "You should get ready." Loke would rather have Lucy take her time getting ready and eating the breakfast he made for her than have her rushing at the last moment and not being able to enjoy the food he cooked for her. "Once you're done breakfast will be ready."
"Will you eat breakfast with me?" she asked, her voice slightly muffled by his shoulder.
"If that is what you want then I will."
"What do you want?" She pulled away slightly to meet his gaze.
"To spend more time with you." He said simply and from the heart. The slight red hue that covered her cheeks was a welcoming sight. "I always want to spend time with you."
"Sometimes you're too much Loke." She told him affectionately. "Then it's settled, we're having breakfast." She gave him one last squeeze and pulled away.
Loke watched her gather her clothing and wanted to imprint this moment in his mind. Centuries from now when he won't be able to be by Lucy's side he wanted to remember this moment. To always feel the happiness and warmth she invoked within him.
It was only when she disappeared into the bathroom did he get up and made his way to the kitchen to finish breakfast.
"What time are you planning on heading to the guild?" Laxus asked Evergreen, who claimed the couch when he left to get ready for the day. At one point she must have gotten up because she was now curled under a blanket that wasn't there before.
"After I get back the hour and half of sleep you took from me."
He threw his black fur trimmed coat over his shoulders. "Is that what you want me to tell Elfman?"
"I don't care what you tell him." Evergreen snapped.
Laxus bit back a smirk. "That poor unfortunate soul."
She sat up and glared at him.
Evergreen made it too easy to get under her skin in the mornings.
"Aren't you going to make breakfast?"
"So you can freeload off of me?"
"I do no such thing!" she cried out in outrage. "Don't confuse me with Bickslow!"
"Sorry Evergreen," He grabbed his sound pod from the counter and placed his magic headphones around his neck. "It's hard not to confuse the two of you when you look so alike."
"That's it Laxus!"
The Lightning Dragon Slayer quickened his pace toward his front door knowing what was coming.
"I hope Mira force feeds you this morning when you're being too stubborn to eat!" The self-proclaimed Queen of Fairies screeched her decree.
Laxus made it to the door in time. "Don't forget to lock the door when you leave." He said in farewell and slammed the door behind him narrowly missing the pillow she had thrown at his head.
The day was surprisingly starting off in a good note. It has been a while since he's had one of these.
Maybe his luck was changing.
But Laxus was never lucky.
He really should have known better than to hope.
"How does this look? –ebi."
Loke pushed aside the turquoise curtain and leaned against the side of the doorway as he watched Cancer stand behind Lucy, who stood in front of her mirror. Her blonde hair was pinned up with her bangs slightly to the side and a few strands that were purposely not pulled up spilled down and touched her shoulders. It was a simply hair style and one that Lucy wore on days that she stayed in her apartment to relax instead of going to the guild. It was a hair style Loke hasn't seen on her in a long time.
"I love it." Lucy told Cancer.
Loke didn't have to see in order to know that Lucy was smiling at Cancer when he saw the Spirit stand straighter taking pride in the fact that he could find a style that not only suited her, but made her smile as well.
"Thank you Cancer." She turned to her Spirit and wrapped her arms around him.
He patted her head. "If you ever have need of me again just summon for me. –ebi." Once she let go he graced her with one of his cool smiles and vanished in light.
Ever since what happened with Aquarius all the Spirits came to an accord to change their contracts to be available for Lucy whenever she needed them. They would have lost her if it wasn't for Aquarius and the Celestial Spirit King. It was something they would make sure would never happen again. They would do everything possible to never let her feel that type of pain again.
"Are you ready to eat?" Loke asked after Cancer's departure. He took note of her outfit and bit back a frown at the short skirt she was wearing. Winter had already begun and he knew how cold Magnolia could get. Even if he asked her to change he knew that she wouldn't listen to him, his only consolation was that she was at least wearing thigh high socks and a pair of boots. Instead of wearing a tank top, a revealing sleeveless shirt or a corset that accented her curves like she used to, she wore a blue t-shirt. The t-shirt fitted her snugly and covered the Aquarius mark on her collarbone, but this time Loke could see there was a difference to it. The collar of the shirt was a bit more open than the ones she wore before. He could tell because the beginning lines of Aquarius' mark peaked from under the shirt as if wanting to get out.
Lucy was always so vehement about it not showing. He didn't know whether to say something about it, but as he met her gaze he decided to keep his silence. There was no mistaking that Lucy had seen what he did. He felt his heart go out to the person he owed his life to. He will always support her.
"I'm starving."
That was his cue to go back into the kitchen and take out the plates along with the eating utensils. When he set them on the table she was already sitting down. He took his seat and watched enraptured as she took her first bite without hesitation. He remember a time when food would be set before her and she would not look at it. It was a struggle to convince her to eat. Loke placed an elbow on the table and his chin in the palm of his hand and watched eagerly as her eyes closed in bliss and she moaned over a piece of bacon. It was a beautiful sight.
"Aren't you going to eat?"
Her question caught him off guard. How was it possible that he hadn't noticed her eyes open and look at him? "I will." He waved at her to continue with her food. "I am curious about a few things though."
"Hmmm…"
"Last night Plue could not stop talking about a certain Lightning Dragon Slayer." Loke said with a slight grin and was amused as Lucy abruptly swallowed what she had been eating. Her cheeks colored with a light pink hue. She looked adorable. "I was surprised by what he told me. I didn't know you and Laxus have become close."
"I don't know about being close," her hand clutched the fork, "we've just started talking."
He noticed that she did not deny wanting to be close to the Lightning Mage. A part of him had been surprised that Laxus had walked Lucy home and that he had made her smile when they had failed for the most part. It wasn't that he believed Laxus was incapable of being kind. He knew the man changed after being excommunicated from the guild. He saw it in the way he aided Team Natsu with Hades and then when he led the attack against Acnologia after Natsu gave them the courage to go back for Makarov.
Then again he saw it in the Grand Magic Games. He had seen through the illusion and watched along with the other Spirits as Laxus took out Raven Tail. They had all cheered when he used his Lightning Dragon Roar on Flare and had made it clear that it was for Lucy. The Spirits were not as kind as Lucy when it came to forgiving those who hurt her. It took them longer to forgive and the only reason they did not seek retribution against those who hurt her was because they knew that's not something she would like. The last thing they wanted was to make her feel disappointed and betrayed. They loved Lucy too much to go against her wishes. Through all these actions Loke saw the leader Laxus was capable of becoming.
So he knew that Laxus was capable of being kind when the situation called for it. What surprised him was more along the fact that the Dragon Slayer hardly ever approached Lucy and this was the first time he went out of his way to. Well there was that one time in the infirmary after the beating Minerva gave Lucy. Laxus had been just as bothered as the others in the guild for what happened to Lucy.
Loke who had been keeping a close eye on Lucy for the past three months noticed the Lightning Dragon Slayer had also been looking her way. The Lion didn't know what was running through his head, but Loke never expected Laxus to make a move. For all of his bravado, Loke had taken note that Laxus rarely went after what he wanted after the fiasco that had been the Battle of Fairy Tail. Plue did not suspect an ulterior motive from Laxus and Loke who had been watching the night before wanted to agree, but he would rather be safe than sorry. He planned to question the Lightning Mage without Lucy knowing.
"I know from experience that talking can always lead to something else." He winked at her.
"I don't know what you're talking about." She said but they both knew she was lying as her face turned redder.
"Of course you wouldn't my darling Lucy."
When she finished Loke picked up their plates and dropped them in her sink. He walked out the kitchen to see her grabbing her keys. "Make sure to wrap yourself warm." He said grabbing her coat and scarf.
"I know." She let him help her slip on her coat and then stood still as he wrapped the scarf securely around her neck. "Happy?" she asked.
"No, but this will have to do." He sighed. Loke wanted to place a beanie on her head, but knew it would ruin the hair style Cancer did and Lucy would not be happy with him.
"Thank you Loke."
He opened the door for her. "It was a pleasure." Loke bowed.
"I'll see you later." Lucy waved at him as she walked out.
Loke had wanted to walk her to guild but knew that she would summon for Plue and did not want to interrupt their time together. He was right for as she walked down the stairs celestial light flashed behind her.
"Puu-punn!" Plue greeted standing behind her.
Loke waved at the fellow Spirit before closing the door and going back into the kitchen to wash the dirty dishes.
Laxus mentally cursed Evergreen when Mirajane caught sight of him entering the guild and waved him over. It was not like he could pretend he didn't see her and turn the other way or walk back out. He had met her gaze directly and nodded at her in greeting. He sighed as he walked toward the bar. I'm getting too soft.
"Good morning Laxus." She smiled at him.
Her smile was too bright for this time in the morning, but then again she was Mirajane and Laxus knew she ran with her own time. "Mira."
"Have you eaten breakfast?"
"Yes."
The smile fell from her lips as her eyes narrowed on him. "Liar."
Laxus looked away from her and turned to look at the mission board. "So the old man is letting us go on missions again?"
"Since we're done repairing Magnolia and the guild, Master thinks it's about time we start taking jobs again."
He agreed with his grandfather. With the rebuilding being done they will need revenue coming in again for the repair costs. The members of the guild needed to make money again for the repair costs of their own homes as well and with the holidays coming in soon no one wanted to be away from their families.
"Thank you Lisanna."
Laxus looked back at Mirajane to see Lisanna handing her plate filled with eggs, bacon, sausage, and pancakes that were topping with whip cream and strawberries. The Take Over Mage set the plate in front of him along with a jar of syrup and eating utensils.
"You need to eat." Lisanna said when Laxus glared at her.
"I'm not hungry."
"Still doesn't change the fact that you need substance."
Mirajane nodded agreeing with her younger sister's words, her hands rested on her hips.
"Fine." He growled knowing that the Strauss sisters would not leave him alone unless he did. The last thing he wanted was for them to tell his grandfather and have the old man interrogate him for his lack of appetite. It was bad enough when the old man questioned him for his lack of sleep. He was not going to have a repeat of that. Laxus shoved a forkful of eggs into his mouth.
"So…" Mirajane said leaning on the counter and peering at him.
Laxus swallowed the food. "So…?" He looked suspiciously at both sister when Lisanna mimicked her older sister's pose.
"How did it go with Lucy last night?" Mirajane asked excited.
"Fine." He said before eating the strawberries on top of the pancakes.
"Fine?"
"What do you mean fine?"
"I meant exactly what I said. It went fine. Lucy got home safely." He didn't see the look both sisters shared when he said Lucy's name instead of calling her 'Blondie', but he did see their smiles. "What?" He asked after swallowing the bacon he had been eating.
"Nothing." Both sisters said at the same time.
Laxus shuddered, he could practically feel their minds conjuring plans that will make his life a living hell. "Whatever the both of you are thinking I want it to stop."
"Laxus, I have no idea what you're talking about."
"You should just finish your breakfast." Mirajane patted his shoulder before leaving them.
"Of course." He pinched Lisanna's cheek knowing that he couldn't get at Mirajane without suffering consequences.
"Why are you pinching my cheek when it's Mira-nee you should be worried about?" Lisanna whined when Laxus didn't let go.
"I know, but this will dissuade you from even thinking about helping her." He pinched her other cheek as well.
"Laxus!" She growled at tried punching him with both of her hands, but he quickly let go of her cheeks and began catching all of her hits.
Lucy pushed open the doors to the guild and was greeted by a nearly empty guild, which wasn't a surprise considering the fact that the guild threw a party the day before which involved lots of drinking. She knew that the rest of the members would show up later than usual and by twelve o'clock the guild would be in full swing again.
The Celestial Mage waved at Cana, who paused momentarily in getting her drink on as she waved back with a smile before continuing.
Wakaba who sat on the table next to hers groaned in disbelief as he watched the Card Mage drink. Macao sat across from him with his head on the table, while Romeo walked toward their table holding two cups of coffee. "Hey Lucy!" He grinned at her and then greeted the Spirit that walked beside her. "Hey Plue!"
Plue waved at him. His wobbly smile graced his lips.
"Good morning Romeo." She ruffled his hair as she walked passed him and waved at the two older men knowing that their heads hurt and the last thing they would want to do was talk. Wakaba nodded at her gratefully, while Macao turned his head toward her and lifted hand to wave at her.
Lucy looked the bar to see Mirajane and Lisanna talking to Laxus. Just as she was about to walk toward them Mirajane caught sight of her and said something to Laxus as she patted him on the shoulder before leaving them.
The head barmaid greeted her with a bright smile and clasped her hands. "Good morning Lucy." Her gaze turned to the Spirit beside her. "And a good morning to you too Plue."
"Puu-puun!" He waved his paw at her.
"Will the both of you have the usual?"
"Yes please, if it's not too much of a hassle."
"You're too adorable Lucy." Mirajane gushed and pulled her into a hug. "Of course it's never a hassle." She pulled away and dragged Lucy toward the bar with Plue following behind at a slower pace. "You can tell us everything that happened last night when Laxus walked you home after I'm done with your order." She said making Lucy sit the on the barstool next to Laxus.
Mirajane closely watched Lucy and Laxus look at each other. It was more like Lucy had her head turned to look at Laxus, while the Lightning Mage simply glanced at her. There was a slight widening of eyes when it came to Laxus and Lucy's lips twitched ever so slightly as if warding off a smile.
"Laxus." She said.
"Blondie." He said.
There it was again the slightly twitching of lips. Her eyes danced with merriment.
Laxus felt something tug on his coat and looked down to see Plue had his paws on his coat. The Spirit gave him a wobbly smile when he saw him. "Puu-puun!" His small body trembled as he waved. Without warning Laxus grabbed Plue by the scruff of his neck, he ignored the protests of Mirajane and Lisanna, and placed the Spirit on the bar between him and Lucy.
"Puu." Plue said as he took a seat on the bar.
"He says 'Thank you'." Lucy said as she watched Plue eyeing Laxus' pancakes.
Mirajane pressed a hand over her mouth to keep from uttering any sound as Laxus simply nodded, closed his eyes, and folded his arms over the bar. She glanced between the blondes and met Lisanna's gaze. She motioned her head toward the kitchen signaling her younger sister to follow her and give their nakama some privacy.
It was only when the Strauss' sisters left did Laxus open his eyes. The first thing he noticed was that Plue had scooted closer to his pancakes. The Spirit had no shame as his mouth hung open and drool was about to drip. Plue was beginning to be another source of entertainment for him. Without a word Laxus pushed the plate closer to him.
The movement cut through Plue's daze. He looked at the pancakes then at Laxus and then back at the pancakes. When Laxus placed at the jar of syrup closer to him Plue eyes watered and glistened with gratitude. "Puu-puun!" He said before he grabbed the jar and bathed the pancakes in syrup.
Laxus watched in shock as the Spirit lifted the plate and inhaled the pancakes in one mouthful. His cheeks were expanded to full capacity, but it didn't faze the Spirit as he chewed. In a matter of seconds Plue swallowed and sat back with a small bulge in his belly. It was only when Plue patted his stomach did he look away and tried to find another who might have witnessed what he had seen and confirm it.
It was then he met honey brown eyes that crinkled at the ends as she smiled. Her entire face was lit with joy and Laxus felt breathless. "I know that Plue's table manners can take some getting used to, but after watching Natsu eat countless of times Plue's pales in comparison to him."
Laxus snorted. "That's putting it nicely." He knew what she meant. He's seen Natsu inhale food and witnessed multiple times Bickslow stop Freed from tying the younger Dragon Slayer on a chair and enforcing proper etiquette.
"You didn't have to give up your pancakes." Lucy told him lightly. "Mira was going to give him a sundae."
"They would have gone to waste." For he wasn't going to eat them. The eggs, sausage, and bacon had filled him. It should worry him that his appetite had decreased so drastically, but he simply didn't have the energy to care. Not when his mind was plagued with other matters. "Does he eat anything?"
"It would seem that way. He's eaten anything I've given him so far." Both blondes were looked at Plue who no longer sat back and patted his tummy instead he laid on the bar took a nap. "Although he has a sweet tooth and prefers to eat anything with a lot of sugar."
Perhaps that contributes to his trembling. Laxus thought as he watched the Spirit continued to shiver in his sleep.
"So tell me Laxus." She glanced at the Lightning Dragon Slayer. "Has Mira interrogated you about last night?"
He nodded not seeing the point in lying to her. "Lisanna and her teamed up on me."
Lisanna being involved did not come as a surprise to the Celestial Mage especially with the way she was acting the night before. "What did you tell them?"
"The truth." He said simply. "I got you home safely."
Lucy smiled at the simplicity of his answer. "Something tells me they didn't like that answer."
"Clearly." He sighed. "They brought you over here."
"It almost makes me wonder what they wanted us to do last night."
"I know what they wanted us to do, but I don't do romance and you don't seem like someone who does one night stands."
"I'm sure you're very acquainted with one night stands in order to know when someone isn't."
"Are you calling me a man whore?"
The question was so sudden that Lucy almost jumped out of her seat. She looked at him wide eyed as he peered down at her with a raised eyebrow. "No," he didn't look angry, instead he looked, dare she think, entertained. "You said that not I."
"You were implying it."
"Just because I said you were acquainted with one night stands doesn't mean that I was calling you a man whore…" She really should change the subject, but there was something about Laxus that made her want to keep poking at the subject to see how far she could go before he put an end to it. "If I didn't know any better I would think you have a guilty conscious." The words slipped out without a warning. She mentally cursed herself.
"That's where you're wrong Blondie." He grinned. "The girls knew what they were getting into. I made sure to explain the rules."
"Did you make them sign a contract as well?" Lucy slapped a hand over her mouth and didn't dare to look at Laxus this time.
This time Laxus turned in his seat. She's teasing me. He thought with a mixture of disbelief and amusement. Only Bickslow teased him like this because he knew that Laxus wouldn't retaliated with his lightning and sometime Lisanna if she was feeling daring. Most people wouldn't because they feared what he may do, but that didn't seem to be the case with Lucy. It seemed like she could not help herself and Laxus didn't know what to make of it. She had gotten him with her cheeky response.
In most cases he would shove Bickslow out of his chair and when it was Lisanna he would either pinch her cheek or flick her forehead. He went with latter. Before he could stop himself he reached out and flicked her on the forehead. What he hadn't expected was for her to punch him on the arm.
Being on Team Natsu had taught Lucy something. After being in countless of dangerous situations that could cost her life, she learned that when attacks came suddenly one had to swing back first then ask questions. But this situation wasn't dangerous. She blamed Natsu who made it a habit of picking on her to join Gray and him when it came to some rough housing. Lucy had become so used to punching or kicking anyone who would hit her in the guild because that anyone was always Natsu. In her defense no one flicked her on the forehead except for Natsu. Still she didn't mean to punch Laxus. It was a reflex.
They were both looked at each other in disbelief.
The punch didn't hurt Laxus instead it had caught him off guard because no one would dare to hit him unless they wanted to fight him. It was even rare when another Mage was able to land a hit on him. Only the most powerful ones did and yet Lucy did. It's not that he didn't believe her to be a strong Mage, but the fact that he didn't see it coming. He was always aware of his surroundings that's how he was able to catch all of Lisanna's punches without breaking a sweat, and how he knew Natsu would try to land a hit on him before the Fire Dragon Slayer even made a move. He had let his guard down around Lucy.
Lucy wanted to apologize but whenever she tried to speak her voice wouldn't cooperate. Instead she felt her face burn under his gaze.
"I knew the both of you couldn't keep your hands off of each other."
They looked away from each other to see Mirajane standing on the other side of the bar, her hands clasped her face as she watched them with a blush on her cheeks and heart eyes. A strawberry smoothie had been placed in front of Lucy and a chocolate sundae beside Plue, who was now wide awake and in the process of eating it.
"It's not what you think!" Lucy said quickly and shook her hand.
Laxus didn't bother to say anything because he knew that it would fall onto death ears. He's known Mira too long to know that she would not let this go any time soon. He and Lucy were screwed for the time being until Mira fixated on another what she believed to be 'would be' couple. Instead he focused his energy on glaring at Lisanna who was snickering as she leaned against the doorway of the kitchen.
"Laxus!" Gildarts' voice rang through the guild. "Master wants to speak with you!"
Laxus looked toward the second floor. Gildarts stood there with his arms crossed and a shit eating grin. He mentally sighed, if Gildarts had that grin it meant nothing good could come from it. "Ladies," He nodded at them, "that's my cue to go." He made of the mistake of glancing at Lucy who looked at him with pleading eyes. "You'll do fine," he whispered only for her ears. He didn't need to reassure her or offer any words of comfort, but when it came to Lucy Heartfilia he found himself wanting to do things.
It was with those words fresh in her mind and heart that Lucy bravely faced Mirajane's heart filled eyes.
"What does the old man want?" Laxus asked Gildarts once he reached the second floor.
"I don't have a clue." The Crash Mage shrugged, but did nothing to hide his grin.
The Lightning Mage knew how the former Master liked trying to get under his skin and in some cases he succeeded, but this time Laxus would not give him the satisfaction.
"I'm sure Master will be happy to know that you're making nice with the others." He nudged the Dragon slayer. "Especially with one Lucy Heartfilia."
"You won't tell him anything." Laxus growled at him. "The last thing I need is for him to get ideas in his head."
"Seeing the both of you reminded me so much of my time with Cornelia. I used to tease her like that." Gildarts sighed wistfully.
"Spare me the details."
"The both of you will have a better ending considering the fact that you want to be the next Master."
"What are you talking about?"
"Lucy and you."
"There is no Lucy and me."
"There's no need to be shy. After last night there's no denying it."
"What happened last night wouldn't have happened if it weren't for you."
"And that is why you should thank me."
"Are you listening to anything I'm saying?"
"Master will be happy for you. He'll give the both of you his blessing."
"I don't need his blessing because there's nothing for him to bless!" Laxus snapped. "And if I were in a relationship his blessing wouldn't matter because it would be my choice to be with her!"
"I'm so glad you feel so strongly about being with Lucy. Make sure you tell her that."
"Wait, what?"
"Come on Laxus." Gildarts wrapped an arm around his shoulders and led him to Makarov's office ignoring his protests.
"Come in." Makarov said after he heard a knock on his door. He watched with a hint of a smile as Gildarts practically dragged Laxus in the room.
Mavis watched with a gentle look in her eyes as Gildarts grinned and forced Laxus to sit down. Once seated Laxus shrugged Gildarts hands off of him and looked at his grandfather with an unreadable expression. "You wanted to speak with me."
Both Dreyar men looked at each other seriously.
"I have heard some interesting things about you and—"
"If it involves Lucy I'm going to stop you right there." Laxus cut his grandfather off gruffly. "There's nothing going on between us, so I ask that you tell whoever is saying this to stop tainting Lucy's name."
Makarov looked at his grandson surprised and hurt at the same time. The only time Laxus had spoken like this had been when he told him not to excommunicate the Raijinshuu. It made him wonder that perhaps Mirajane and Gildarts weren't simply seeing too much into things. That something might lay or could lay between Laxus and Lucy or perhaps this was more proof of his grandson willing to show those around him that his nakama mattered to him. Did he not know that this wasn't necessary? Did he not know that his nakama knew they mattered to him?
Then there was the manner in which he said 'tainting Lucy's name', which caused Makarov to frown. Did he mean that the lies would taint Lucy name or that being with him would taint Lucy name?
"Gildarts," he glanced at the Crash Mage and then at Mavis, "First. I would like to speak with my grandson alone."
Mavis understood as she stood from her seat. When she walked passed Laxus she patted him on the head before exiting the office with Gildarts.
"Do you think that you're unworthy of Lucy?"
"Why are we still on Lucy? There's nothing between us."
"I'm not saying there's something Laxus. But if there was, would you go for it?"
"She's not my type." He said it fiercely and Makarov wondered who he was trying to convince more.
"You're a fool." Makarov shook his head. "She's exactly your type, but you're too blind to see it right now."
"You must be going blind with your age old man."
"Doesn't she remind you of someone we once knew?"
Laxus shifted in his chair uncomfortably. "I don't know what you're talking about."
"Of course you don't." He leaned back in his seat feeling tired. "So stubborn… just like your old man."
"At least that's one thing we have in common."
Silence settled over them, but was broken by Makarov.
"If I asked you to tell me what you saw during your coma, would you?" He watched as Laxus looked away from him and knew his answer. "I feel that I have failed you again my boy."
Laxus cleared his throat. He hadn't revealed anything to his grandfather and yet he felt vulnerable. "It's my burden."
"And it is the Master's responsibility to ease the burden of those in his guild just as much as it is to protect them." He leaned forward and placed his elbows on the table twining his fingers. "One's happiness is everyone's happiness and one's sadness is everyone's sadness, but for the Masters it is different. We're not allowed the luxury to wallow in our grief and sorrow not when so many look to us for guidance." Makarov stood from his seat. "We learn to heal and deal with our sorrows as we help the guild members with their problems."
Laxus stood when his grandfather motioned him to follow.
"Words do not do it justice for it can only be understood with experience." Makarov opened his door. "This is another requirement for being Master."
"Just like the paperwork?"
"This is more important than the paperwork." He said as they exited his office. "I have a special assignment for you. Should you pass or fail will determine if you have the qualifications of still running to become Master of Fairy Tail."
"Master of Fairy Tail…" It was something he had forced himself to stop wanting because he felt he was unworthy of it. "That's not—"
"Laxus." Makarov cut him and peered up at him. "Fairy Tail does not forget, but it does forgive."
He remained silent and let the words sink in.
"I'm hoping this assignment will let you see that."
"Do I have a choice in this?"
"No." Makarov said simply before he hopped onto the railing and Laxus came to stand beside him with his arms crossed over his chest. They both peered down at the lively guide. Many were crowding the mission board. Luckily it seemed that no fight had yet to happen. "Everyone!" He yelled, his voice echoed through the guide.
The guild stopped what they were doing and turned to look at their Master.
"Now that the repairs are done for both Magnolia and the guild I think it's time we go back to work."
Cheers followed his statement.
"Winter has begun, the holidays are quickly approaching and with it the time for giving." He said. "I'm very happy to announce that Laxus has prepared something for the guild."
It took everything Laxus had not to break from his façade and drag his grandfather back into his office and ask what the hell he was thinking. Laxus looked at Gildarts who sat on a barstool between Lucy and Mavis while Mirajane stood behind the bar. Now he knew why Gildarts had been wearing that shit eating grin. The Crash Mage knew, so did Mavis, who looked on joyfully and Mirajane, who took out a paper from under the bar. He watched as she made her way toward the wall of the mission board and pinned it on the empty side.
"He will be willing to do a favor for each of you so long as it's within his capabilities. All you have to do is sign your name on that white paper." Makarov pointed at the blank paper Mirajane pinned to the mission board moments ago.
Silence reigned over the guild and Laxus felt it oppress him. Times like these the guild would have gone wild, but that was never the case with him. What was his grandfather thinking? He wanted to snap at him, at Gildarts, at Mavis, and at Mirajane. He wanted them to leave him alone. He didn't need them interfering with his life. Did they not see they did more damage than good with their help?
He looked around and caught sight of the Raijinshuu sitting on the usual table. Tears streams down Freed's face as his glistened with admiration, Bickslow grinned, and Evergreen nodded as if to agree that 'his' gift to the guild was a magnificent one. They didn't see how it crushed their leader. He looked away to see Gildarts, Mavis, and Mirajane watch the guild like they would an exploding lacrima, but it was Lucy his gaze zeroed in on. He saw he rlook from the paper to Gildarts and the others then to Makarov and finally her eyes met his. He saw the worry in them. It was that worry that made him tear his gaze away from hers.
"Alzack!" Bisca yelled holding Asuka protective in one arm as she threw a pen to Alzack. Her husband, who had been standing close to the mission board, caught it easily while everyone was still in state of shock and/or disbelief at what the Master said. He signed their names on the paper.
The guild watched with belated breath if lightning would strike Alzack for daring to write his name, but nothing happened.
The spell of silence was broken by the sound of a chair scraping wooden floors and the unique laugh of an Iron Dragon Slayer. "Gi Hi Hi Hi."
The guild came to life instantaneously.
Two iron rods hit the mission board and caged the paper before sweeping across the guild and knocked many of the members off their feet.
Natsu jumped on top of one of the iron rods to avoid being hit. Fire licked his fists. "You're gonna have to do better than that!" He yelled as he ran on top of the rod toward the mission board.
Gray and Juvia had dodged the iron rod. "Guess again Flametard!" The Ice Mage pressed his hands against the wooden floors. "Ice Make: Ice Wall!"
"Gomen Gajeel." Juvia said as she used her Water Slicer to cut through Gajeel and his iron rods. "But Juvia must aid Gray-sama."
Gajeel quickly receded his iron rods and caused Natsu to land face first against Gray's ice wall.
Gray grinned and then proceeded to ice the floor so we could slide over it.
Everyone that had gotten to their feet struggled to remain standing now that wooden floors were coated with a layer of ice.
"Don't worry Natsu!" Happy yelled flying to him. "I got you!"
"Thanks Happy!" Natsu grinned at Happy took him to the air. "Take this stripper!" He threw a fireball at Gray.
"I will not let you hurt Gray-sama!" Juvia's eyes blazed with fire as she soaked Natsu with water.
"Lily!" Gajeel called for his exceed. Lily took him to the air as well and flew passed both Juvia and Natsu.
"Don't worry Lucy!" Loke yelled from the mission board. "I put both our names on the list." He winked before he vanished in celestial light.
Laxus watched not knowing how to feel as the guild fought amongst themselves to get their names on the list.
"You brats!" Makarov roared from the second floor seeing his precious guild destroyed in a matter of seconds.
The guild doors were pushed open as Erza entered the guild. The smile on her lips wilted the moment she saw the condition of the guild. "Natsu! Gray!" She yelled furiously when she caught sight of the Fire Dragon Slayer throwing fireballs at Gray and Juvia.
When they heard Ezra's voice the three Mages stopped. Even Lily did with Gajeel. They all watched the Reequip Mage nervously. None of them saw Master's hand as it came hard on all of them except for Juvia.
"Gray-sama!" she cried out.
"We're going to do this again!" Makarov yelled angrily. "This time all of you will behave or I will have Ezra punish you!"
They all gulped as they watched Ezra crack her knuckles.
"Mira, take out the hat."
Everyone watched Mira pull a black top hat from under the bar.
"The hat contains pieces of paper numbered from one to a hundred. The first three spots have been taken by Alzack and Bisca, Lucy, and Loke. If you draw the numbers one, two, or three you will have to draw again. Once you have a number you can do with them what you like. " He sighed. "Gildarts will start us off."
The Crash Mage dug into the hat a carefully pulled out one or the folded pieces of paper. He unfolded it and read his number. "Four."
"I wanna go next!" Natsu yelled crawling from under Makarov's hand.
Mirajane looked at the Master to see if it was okay. He nodded and lifted his hand.
The Fire Mage didn't waste any time in shoving his hand in the hat. He pulled out of one the unfolded papers and eagerly read the number. "One!"
"Draw again!" The guild yelled.
"Fine." Natsu frowned and burned the paper before he dug into the hat again. He grabbed the one of the folded pieces of paper and unfolded half it. "Ten!" he yelled before he pointed at Laxus. "I'm coming for you!"
"Natsu." Mirajane told him gently. "You didn't finishing unfolding the paper."
"What?" he looked at her confused.
She took the paper from him and unfolded the other side the paper to reveal another zero. She grimaced in sympathy when his face fell.
"No!" he yelled and fell to his knees while Happy patted him on the head. "It's okay Natsu." The Exceed tried to console him.
"Natsu is a hundred."
Laxus really shouldn't laugh. He knew not to, but he couldn't help it. His shoulders shook with the laughter he tried to keep from spilling out especially when his grandfather looked at him disapprovingly. It wasn't his fault. His only consolation was in the fact that Natsu had worse luck than him.
"Gi Hi Hi Hi."
He wasn't the only Dragon Slayer who found the situation funny.
"Set my body free
The silver tigers in the moonlight running
And the winds in the trees
Singing do you believe?"
-We Must Be Killers (Mikky Ekko)
AN: I apologize for any grammatical errors. I've tried to catch them, but after working on this chapter for over six hours straight my head is done for. It's passed 1am and I have to get up at 8am. I would have spent more time on it, but I'm going to have a packed house tomorrow and there wouldn't be any time for me to look over it again until Monday. The bottom line is that I really wanted to post it because I wanted to know what you guys thought of it.
The reason behind Laxus not wanting to sleep has been revealed. As the fic progresses I will delve deeper into the reason why he does not like dreaming of his mother. Let's just say it's going to be very angst. I swear Laxus and Lucy have a mind of their own. I have no idea what I was doing with their scenes. No matter how much I tried to make them serious they wouldn't cooperate. I hope they weren't too OC. I was also surprised by the amount of characters that made cameos. I didn't plan for Team Natsu or Juvia and Gajeel to make an appearance until the next chapter, but the end scene just would not stop expanding. I hope you guys liked it.
I would like to give a huge thank you to: GemNika, Dragon'sHost, Raelin Thaon, eien-ni-touko (I know what you mean about logging in through a cellphone, but thank you so much for still leaving a review. Also if you there's anyone you can recommend as a Beta please don't hesitate to. I have one, but she hasn't watched Fairy Tail and I would very much like one that does because then I can share some ideas with them and they be able to tell me if the characters are being to OC.), Aipom4, lovergirl8602, Exo-Toxicimpulse, Guest (I hope you liked the update), W1n6s-0f-F1r3, Blueforyou09, XxShyxX, leolady4ever, nerdfightersunshine, SHadoW MenaCE, LittlePrincessNana, JustLoverly, BloodyWolfGirl6, DeadendAngel4 (Of course I'm going to continue. ;) The plan is to post two to three chapters per month. As for the Execution Arc don't worry, there will be a lot of Lucy and Laxus working together and fighting), and Leafy (There will be more of Plue's POV in this fic. I have much planned for our little friend.) for reviewing as well as everyone who added this fic to their favorites and alerts. You guys are the best! Thank you so much! =D
With that said please don't forget to review telling me what you think. I would love to hear from you guys and if you have any questions please don't hesitate to ask. =)
