Disclaimer- I do not own Fairy tail
For the rest of the day the topic of conversation in the guild was all about the morning's events. How could they not though, everything about it was out of character. First Lucy yells at Laxus in the middle of the guild. Then after both party's teams hear what transpired, neither team lashes out. But the one person who does become furious is Levy and she gets Gajeel to hit Laxus, with the later simply taking the hit.
No one really knew what to make of it.
The lightning mage had moved back to the bar after he had gotten up from the floor, after he had ungracefully fallen onto it, and had gotten a beer before returning to his office. For once in his life he did not mind the paper work that he had in his office as it allowed for an escape from Mira's near constant death glare. Laxus still refused to talk to anyone about what happened before the two entered the guild as well as what his "punishment" is.
Gajeel had led a very angry Levy out of the guild, with Lilly following overhead, to the park to train.
Evergreen and Freed had stood for a quick minute gapping at what had transpired, trying to piece it all together. Evergreen had been the first to realize her un-lady-like appearance and composed herself and turned to yell at Bickslow, only to realize that said mage was no longer in the building. Freed had managed to finally pull himself together and made his way to Laxus's office to try and gather more information.
Team Natsu (minus Lucy) had come back in and picked a job that would last until the following day and bid farewell to the guild. Natsu had gotten his and Happy's food from Lisanna, and the two had a longer than necessary conversation before he pulled the young woman into a hug, the action had gone unnoticed by most except for Lisanna's older sister.
A certain blue-haired water mage had sneakily followed them when no one was looking. She is planning on joining the group on their mission whether they want her to, or not.
Back at the ice cream shop, Lucy was having a difficult time convincing Plue to give Laxus another chance. The two had been discussing things thoroughly and failed to notice the very weird glances they were receiving. Lucy was repeatedly telling him that even though the mage may look scary but is in fact harmless. (She opted to leave out the fact he could in fact cause a lot of damage to enemies seeing as that it would not help her case)
The little dog spirit had been very uneasy of the idea of spending the evening with him, so she had used Virgo as a comparison. Lucy explained that even though Virgo had her "monster" form she was still Virgo, and the two of them got along quite pleasantly. He countered that although it was true they got along, it was because they both respected each other, and that the 'scary jerk' did not have that respect.
Lucy had decided say that after tonight would be a, "very important mission that only (he) could assist with. If things go according to plan (he) could help make things better for all spirits." This had caught Plue's attention very well.
It was stretch- but also true in a way, tonight would be an important stepping stone in convincing other people that even the odd looking spirits she has are to be considered their own person… so to speak. She added that it would really mean a lot to her if he would attempt to establish at least a working relationship with Laxus. He finally agreed on the condition she bring extra sweets for him.
The blonde readily agreed and hugged the little snowman/dog to show her thanks. He hugged back and then asked to be excused so that he can manage a few things in the spirit world before the evening, which she easily complied to.
Feeling rather tired and magically drained Lucy went home to take a nap. Walking home she wore a content smile on her face. This morning had been an emotional rollercoaster for her but, now with everything sorted out, tonight held a lot promise.
Laxus's office.
Knock knock* "Go away Freed."
The green haired mage decided to ignore the demand and walked in unfazed at the now glaring dragon slayer.
"Laxus, I was hoping to be informed of what started this altercation. I also wish to inform you that I will have a word with Lucy for her actions against you. Although she was upset with you there was no reason for her to berate you in the middle of the guildhall. I will convince her that action was 'punishment' enough and therefore you will not have to comply with her demands. I know Gray mentioned something about 'it' not going away but I am sure-"
"No, you are not to talk to Lucy about today, and you are most certainly not going to talk her about getting me out of tonight."
"Tonight? What do you mean tonight?"
"Her 'punishment' is simply to hang out with her and…"
"Plue."
"Right her and Plue tonight so that Plue isn't scared of me anymore, that's all. And trust me when I say that I do not want to risk having to see the 'it' Gray was talking about, so I am going."
"So you just have to spend time with Lucy and her spirit?"
"Ya we are watching a meteor shower, it really wont be that bad."
Just like with Makarov earlier a mischievous glint flashed in Freed's eyes. "I see…. If that is the case you should really learn Plue's name before your date tonight."
"Ugh not you too! You have been spending to much time with Mira."
Freed let out a small chuckle at his grumbling leader and moved towards the door. "Laxus it seems that Bickslow is also rather upset about everything."
"Don't worry. He was in here before you, we worked it out."
Flashback
"Yo Laxus we need to talk."
"Ya? Why's that?"
Bickslow took off his helment while closing the door to Laxus's office. Only then did the slayer see the seriously put off expression Bicklsow was wearing, and his babies were silent.
"You know I respect you Laxus, probably more than anyone else I have ever met. Do you know why that is?"
The blonde raises one eyebrow to the seith mage.
"It's 'cus you were the first person to not be creeped out about my babies, or my ability to control souls. You just accepted them as part of me, and you trusted me."
"Okay, what is your point Bickslow?"
"My fucking point is that you telling Cosplayer to trade in one of her keys is just like asking me to trade in one of my babies! I mean hell dude I thought you understood that."
It had never actually occurred to Laxus to compare the two mages, but now that Bicks had pointed it out, the care they took for their respective spirits or souls were very similar. He knew how much Bicks loved his dolls; he calls them his "babies" after all. And Lucy is clearly defensive of her spirits. Now everything was starting to click for Laxus, he had finally found a way to understand everything Lucy had said. The realization of the pain he caused her dawned on him and it hit him hard.
While the large blonde was thinking about what was said, Bickslow had been watching him and he was clearly waiting for a response. He knew Laxus had finally realized something because his eyes lit up in understanding. But just as quickly his leader's expression changed to that of guilt.
He rested his elbows on the desk in front of him and slid his hands through his spiky hair. "Fuck… dude you're right, I never thought of it that way, I am sorry."
Bickslow realized that his preconceived notions, of Laxus really meaning what he said to Cosplayer, were wrong. He sighed at his leader's mistake, and released his growing aggression. "It's not just me you need to apologize to, it's Cosplayer. You should know something about her and her spirits changed after Tartarus; and not talking about the new ink she has on her chest." Bicks had reverted to his pervy ways and winks, "Although it is pretty hot. Seriously though I am not sure what it is exactly, but I am positive you struck a pretty sensitive nerve today."
"Ya I picked up on that much, thanks." Laxus scoffed.
"Alright, just make it up to her and to her spirits. I like Cosplayer she's pretty cool."
"Oh really now?" he teased.
"Not like that dude, I mean she is smoken' don't get me wrong. I just mean that after everything that happened, she still smiles and waves at us when she comes in. When I go up to the bar and get drinks she asks how our mission went or how our day is going. Not just me, but Ever and Freed too. Most people just leave us alone and tense up when we come in, but they all relax around Cosplayer."
Bickslow was right again; he had never connected them relaxing to Blondie. Sure the guild forgave them and accepted them all back in the guild. But what they did left lasting scares on their guild mates, physical and mental. Fairy Tail prides itself on being a family, and Laxus had forgotten what that meant for a while.
"Don't worry I'll fix this."
"Good." Bickslow said moving out of the door.
'Good' ' good' Bickslow's babies cheered. Laxus smiled to himself and went back to work.
End Flashback
"Oh tell Ever not to speak to Lucy either."
"Understood, you should head home in a little to clean up. You want to make a good impression tonight for Plue don't you? I don't think that black eye is going to help much though."
Laxus looked down at what he was wearing then up quizzically, trying to figure out what why he would need to impress a spirit. It was only when Freed was closing the door to the office that Laxus registered the joking tone in his friend's voice.
He mumbled to the now empty room, "I guess it couldn't hurt to take a shower, and maybe cologne so Lucy doesn't think I smell… And hopefully she likes the beat-up look on a guy."
The mage was surprised by his words, but had no thoughts of correction or misgivings.
