Chapter 4: Chapter 4 (by Deathsembrace137)
Chapter Four (for chapter three, see Leoslady4ever)
Hiro Mashima owns Fairy Tail
I woke the next morning with my throat dry and hoarse, a scream still lingering over my lips from my dream of Laxus. Sitting up in bed, I winced as the pain from my wounds, and the strain of over using my magic the previous day, spiked through me. I wanted so badly to just crawl back into bed, but I had something to do. Somewhere to be.
He was plaguing me. My every dream, my every thought. My every feeling was currently centered around Laxus. I knew I would have no more rest until I saw him again, so pushing myself past the limits of what my body was currently capable of, I stood from my bed, leaving the warm comfort of my cocoon of covers in order to brave the day.
With a heavy groan, I made for the door of my apartment, not planning on showering, eating, or even changing. All that mattered was getting to the guild. Before I could even take two steps though, Freed appeared from the kitchen, his eyes red and puffy. I cringed inwardly, I hated seeing the results of his sleepless, tear filled night, hated being the reason that his best friend was no longer beside him. I wasn't worth it.
Freed looked me over carefully, and then nodded, "A bath first, and then you have to eat. Then, and only then will I take you to see him. He wouldn't want you goigng out like this so soon after yesterday." he said, his voice leaving no room for rebuke.
As much as I wanted to argue, I knew he made sense. I wouldn't be any help to Laxus unless I at least tried to take care of myself. So, with a wordless nod, I turned on my heel, walking to my closet to grab a change of clothes, before heading for my bathroom.
After taking my short, but somewhat refreshing shower, I dressed in my clothes. I wasn't in the mood to flaunt my body today, not if Laxus wasn't there to see it. I wanted to be comfortable, because once I reached his side, I doubted I'd leave it. So, I chose my favorite jeans, over worn from use, and a simple tee shirt with a hoodie thrown over it.
When I left the bathroom, making sure to brush my hair quickly first, lest Freed complain about that, I made my way to the kitchen, where a plate of eggs, and a bowl of fruit salad awaited me. Freed sat at the far end of the table, glaring at his own portion, likely having to force himself to eat, just as I would.
After finishing my breakfast, every bite tasting bland and going down my throat like sandpaper, I stood and looked at Freed expectantly. He stood up beside me, and gestured for me to take the lead, granting me the permission to go and see Laxus.
Without a backwards glance, I took off, half walking half running, as fast as my exhausted body could take me. Freed stayed close beside me, occasionally glancing over at me, no doubt checking up on me. I knew I was making faces of pain, every step jarred my bones, sent pain spiking in my feet. I wasn't hurt bad, I didn't need healing, I was mostly just bruised, as I'd discovered in the shower this morning, but the bruises all seemed to be located in the worst places.
When the doors of the guild came into sight, I came to a blinding halt, a mangled gasp escaping my lips. Freed was immediately there, his arm wrapped over my shoulders, "I know, it's hard to see Lucy. They'll be cleaning it up later, everyone was too hurt and tired last night." Freed explained, his voice calm and soothing, washing over me and relaxing my tensed muscles.
I nodded, understanding, even as my eyes teared up, looking upon my guild hall. Large gaping holes were smashed through the walls. The front doors were busted open. And, by far the worse thing, the spiked vines from the mage who'd hurt Laxus, were still covering half the building.
As I stood there standing, tears streaming from my eyes, a rough voice suddenly barked at Freed, "You shoulda left her at home."
Turning I saw Gajeel, gazing at me with worry, apprehension, and subdued anger, though, I knew that was directed at the people who'd hurt us, who'd tried to destroy us, not at me.
Hesitantly, I attempted a small smile, hoping to reassure him I was fine, but with the tears streaming, and my quivering lip, I knew he wasn't fooled. His gaze softened even further, and then he scowled, "Go see Laxus, kid. I'll make sure the vines are gone before you're out." he offered.
My eye watered further, at how nice he was being. Nodding my head in silent thanks, I steadied myself, furiously wiping the tears from my face, and then I moved forwards, my head high, as I made my way towards the bedside of the man who saved my life.
As I entered the guild, I winced as the voices that had been chatting as they worked, instantly hushed. I felt every eye on me, as I walked up the stairs. My eyes stayed glued onto the door of the infirmary, as I approached it, studiously ignoring my staring guild mates, I just couldn't handle seeing their faces.
Entering the infirmary, I was immediately glared at by the red eyes of Porlyusica, but, as she ordered me out, Master raised a hand, silencing her as he allowed us in. Wendy glanced up at us from where she was reading a book on people in comas. Offering me a small smile, she stood, patted my arm, and then left the room, giving me some privacy.
Master sighed, and after squeezing Laxus hand one last time, moved past me, and towards the door, stopping just inside of it, "I'm happy you're here, Lucy. I'm sure Laxus would be too." he stated, then he slipped from the room. Porlyusica followed after him, stopping to give us each a warning glare first.
Once they were gone, I took a deep breath. I had yet to look at the bed that Laxus lay prone on. My courage left me the minute I entered this room, the minute he became in my immediate vicinity. But now, I knew I had to face him, face the reality of what had happened last night. If I could only get my head and feet to move.
Feeling a smooth hand slip into mine, I glanced up at Freed, to see him with a similar look of apprehension. "Together?" he asked in a whisper.
I nodded my head, relief sweeping over me that I wasn't alone. "Together." I repeated, as we took a steady step forwards, stopping only when we reached the bed.
My eyes slowly moved to the foot of the bed, stopping at the floor, where his beaten, hole covered combat boots lay, my throat caught at the state of them, knowing if that was how bad his boots were, his body had to be much much worse.
With a strangled sob, I crept forward, my hands reaching slowly to grasp at Laxus hand, which lay over his chest. I pulled the hand to my chin, as I knelt down beside the bed, and allowed the tears to once again, pour down my face. My body shook as I cried silently beside him, my face bent down over his hand, which was now pressed betweeen me and the mattress.
Feeling Freed's hand gently touch my shoulder, I stifled my sobs, and again, continued my eye's journey up his body. Over the light blanket slipped onto his body, and to his heavily banadaged arms, and shoulders. His tattoo completely covered, making me wonder if it was ruined, if his beautiful tattoo was ruined... because of me.
Slowly, I stood from my kneeled position by his bed, and looked for the first time, at his face. His incredibly handsome, and peaceful looking face, perfect, except for a light bruise on the opposite cheek of his scar. His blonde hair was fallen over his forehead, and seeing it, I immediately reached to push it back, into it's proper spikes.
After pushing it back, I found my hand unable to leave the warmth of his skin, so instead, I drew closer, bringing my face near his, "I'm so sorry." I whispered, my voice breaking at the end, as his face remained peaceful, and unresponsive.
I felt Freed's hand again touch my shoulder, but I couldn't look away from Laxus, so instead, Freed moved his hand to lay over mine and Laxus. "It's okay, Lucy. He wouldn't want you beating yourself up. He loves you. He doesn't regret it." he said in a soft murmur, as he stared at his leader's face.
"But why? Why does he love me? I'm no one to him, just a girl in the guild. Or, that's what I thought. Why, Laxus? Why me? I don't deserve this. It should be me. Not you." My voice broke again, and I collapsed, my upper body falling onto the bed, with my head on Laxus chest, as tears again ravaged my face. "Why?" I whispered again, into the firm hard planes of his chest, his warmth seeping through the bandages and pleasantly heating my cheek, comforting me. But, I didn't deserve his comfort. He had loved me, and I hadn't returned his feelings.
"Lucy? Lucy, wake up." Freed called gently, as he patted my shoulder.
I opened my eyes, and sat up, blinking blearily at the green haired man, before turning to assess Laxus. He still lay on the bed, unmoving, and I gulped, my throat burning. Sighing, I turned back to Freed, "No change. Again." I whispered quietly.
Freed nodded, "It might take time, but we won't give up hope. He's Laxus Dreyar, strongest mage of Fairy Tail. He'll pull through." Freed stated, with utter certainty.
I smiled, "I wish I could believe in him the way you do Freed. I wish I knew him, the way you do." I murmured, as I turned and gazed back at Laxus figure.
Feeling the sun heating the room, I stoop up, pulling the blanket off Laxus, and folding it at the end of the bed. Then, I moved to the window, fully opening the shades, and letting the sun wash over Laxus face. "It's a gorgeous day, Laxus." I said, trying to sound bright and cheerful. "And, Freed brought me breakfast again, how nice of him." I called, walking back over to my chair, and sitting in it, as Freed handed me a yogurt and fruit salad.
I began eating it, as Freed sat on the foot of the bed, talking quietly to Laxus about the repairs they'd made on the building, and how the council had found and arrested all the mages involved, and behind the scenes of the attack. When he was finished updating Laxus, he turned back to me. "What time did you come last night, before the storm I hope?" he asked.
I shook my head, "During. It didn't bother me."
Freed frowned, "Can't sleep still?" he asked.
"Not unless I'm here beside him." I whispered, turning back to Laxus as I set aside my bowl. Sliding forward, I again took his hand. "I'm going to head out on a quick job for the day, Laxus. I need money for rent. I promise to be back by tonight, and then I can tell you all about it. Stay safe for me, okay?" I whispered.
Watching his unmoving face for another long moment, I sighed, then stood, resting my hand lightly on his chest for a long moment, before nodding to Freed and moving to the door, "See you later, Freed." I mumbled.
Freed nodded, "Be careful Lucy, your team going with you?" he asked.
I nodded, "Yes, Natsu's been bugging me all week. The idiot's sad he missed the fight." I fumed, shaking my head, and then casting my eyes back to Laxus.
Freed frowned, "Let me know if he keeps bothering you, I can talk to him." he offered.
I nodded, "Thanks Freed. For everything. I'll see you tonight."
Then, steeling myself, I walked away from the infirmary. My heart broke, splintering into smaller and smaller pieces with each step I took. Today would be the longest I'd be away from him, since the incident. I didn't know how I'd bear it.
Poor Lucy. All I want to do is cry and hug her. Oh Laxus, I hope you wake soon. I miss writing your awkward faces and smiles. Freed misses you too:(
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Deathsembrace