A/N: As promised here is chapter 7. It was a little harder to write as it's in between important scenarios. Hope everyone enjoys. See you next Sunday!
~~~Chapter Seven~~~
This is exactly what he was trying to avoid. His team bombarded him with stupid questions, insinuations, or bickered with each other trying to top each other. Laxus felt his face twitch as the annoyance raised.
"Shut up." Laxus roared at the trio. They all snapped their mouths closed and stiffened in their seats, collecting their composure. He glared at each one individually before releasing a long sigh. "Guys. I went on a mission with Gajeel, Levy, and Lucy per request of Mira and Gramps." He said crossing his arms, music from his sound pod catching his ear as they hung around his neck.
"I get that, but why you?" Freed asked. "I mean, you have a team." Evergreen leaned over Bickslow and slapped Freed in the arm.
"Freed, he is a grown man. If he wants to go on a mission with someone else, so be it. It's no different than me going on one with Elfman." She noted pushing her glasses up on the bridge of her nose, crossing her leg over the other, hands folding into her lap.
"Look, you guys are taking this the wrong way. I don't mind him going on other missions, but think about it. It's Laxus. He either does missions with us or solo so sorry if I find it weird he's suddenly on missions with a whole entire different group. And an odd mix at that." Freed argued. Laxus started to tap his foot.
"What I do is my business. I should have let you guys know plans, but it was entirely last minute and at first, I declined on doing it. But it wasn't half bad." Laxus butted in. "But I do have something to tell you guys. I will be gone for the next 2 months." This was the part he was dreading. He watched as their faces went to bewilderment.
"What?" Freed squeaked hands slapping the table.
"Boss, why? Are you going on a solo job?" Bickslow asked as his totems started to circle over the table frantic.
"I am going on a job, but not solo." He started. "I'm going with them again, they needed a fourth member. The job is in a different country." This was the second part he was dreading, telling them that it was going to be in an entire different country.
"WHAT?" Evergreen squawked. "A different country? Aren't those S class missions?"
Laxus shrugged. "It was on the board. But the people are tied to Lucy's dad so that's why they're taking it. And besides, if that was an issue, I am S class so they would still be able to take it."
"True. What kind of job is it?" Freed asked curious. He was up now pacing in fear of his master leaving them for so long. He didn't know why he let the attachment he had for the man get so out of hand. He adored Laxus, looked up to him. He would follow him anywhere. They already feared the worst once when he inhaled the poison from when Tartaros attacked and he almost died trying to protect them.
"It's to go collect an artifact and to decrypt a message on it. Remember the archeologists that were involved with the infinity clock incident?" Laxus asked. He wasn't around much when that had all went down but he had caught bits and pieces of the ordeal. It really pissed him off hearing how they wanted to sacrifice Lucy to the clock and they almost succeeded. They could have lost her permanently.
"The one when Lucy's so called cousin or sister Michelle, whatever she was, was around? Yeah, I think we all remember that one. The last time of Oracion Seis was considered the bad guys." Evergreen pointed out. "We all teamed up in search of the clock pieces. Then to find out that we weren't supposed to collect all the pieces. They had put us in a stupid trap and we realized it all too late."
"Let's not forget that Lucy was absorbed into that ship. We could have lost her." Freed commented with his pointer finger tapping his chin. Laxus curled his hand into a fist, tensing up. Funny how he was just thinking about that and then it gets brought up. He wished he would have done more to help out.
"Right…well the job request is by them. They are too busy with the dig sites here in Fiore that they need a group to go up to Seven and retrieve that." Laxus retorted. "I've only ever been to Minstrel and Bosco. I'm curious to what Seven is all about."
"Boss, do you want us to come along?" Bickslow asked hopeful, but the look on Laxus's face already answered his question. His lips turned into a smirk. I see what he's doing. Right on boss. He had an itching feeling about his boss and the celestial mage, but he didn't want to jump the gun and be electrocuted. He shivered thinking about it.
"It's not my mission to say yes to. I would ask Lucy and them." He forced out without trying to sound too upset. He in all honestly hoped they wouldn't tag along, but the look on Bickslow face looked amused which made Laxus burrow his brows in question. What was he up to?
"Nah, it's cool. We can manage here." Bickslow decided as his totems flew around his head now chirping. Laxus mentally sighed thankful. He already felt awkward as it was being with the other 3 mages, but it was a good awkward that didn't bother him.
"So, what even happened on the mission you came back from with them?" Freed asked as he sat back down from fidgeting. He still felt left behind but seeing his master happy was what mattered most and if he agreed on his own terms to go on this next mission, he would support him.
"The mission was originally supposed to be me and Blondie, but then Gajeel and Levy joined but it was for a lo- uh resort. Blondie got mind controlled, I was getting seduced, Levy got knocked out. But Blondie managed to over take the woman mind controlling her and I defeated them with a roar and got granted 2 more days to stay. At that time, me and metal head trained blondie in combat." All three stayed silent, their mouths hanging wide open in shock.
"Hmm.. I feel as if you are leaving out some information.." Freed inquired. "But I'm happy that the job was successful." Bickslow coughed on the side of Freed, still processing information.
"You trained Cosplayer on combat? Since when do you train?" Bickslow asked. "You wouldn't even train me."
Laxus looked at Bickslow in surprised, not realizing that he had ever asked to be trained. He leaned forward in the chair putting his elbows on his knees, his chin resting on the backs of his hands. He was also surprised how he didn't comment on the whole him getting seduced part. "I wasn't aware you wanted me to train you."
Bickslow shrugged. "It was an idea I had a long time ago but you always put this aura off so I didn't bother asking but it's still just shocking that you would train her, especially her being who she is."
"Yeah and what woman wants Laxus, the thunder god, to train them? That's just asking for a death wish." Evergreen pitched in as she examined her nails and popping a bubble of the gum she was chewing on. "That poor thing. I hope you went easy on her."
"She didn't like my view of training." Laxus admitted. "And I don't do easy." He shifted and stood up as the noise from the ground level of the guild was getting louder. "But I have to get going. I'll catch you guys later." Laxus stated turning around and heading for the stairs, leaving with a wave of his hand as his team stared at his back.
"Hmph, he's in love." Ever bluntly stated. "And don't tell me I'm wrong but his whole demeanor screams it." She shot the back of Laxus Dreyar a death glare as the other two males looked between their master and the queen of faeries in a debate of what to do next.
"Mira, I'm here?" Lucy said as she dropped her bag next to the stool and sat at the bar as the silvery hair barmaid smiled at her. Lucy was dressed in black stretchy capri pants and a basic green tank, her hair sported in two French braids thanks to cancer. She smiled brightly as a drink appeared in front of her without having to lift a finger.
"Lucy. Are you better now?" Mira asked tilting her head as she wiped her hands on a bar towel. Lucy slurped her drink through a straw eying her.
"Yes? What do you mean?" Lucy asked confused. "Are you referring to the whole Natsu situation? If so, I haven't really given him any thought if you must know. I still however don't want to talk about it." She stared down at the counter top. "Please? In time I will tell you everything but just let me be. I have to learn to move on without constant reminders of him or him constantly being brought up. He will always be my best friend no matter what but for my heart and sanity, I need my mind to be on anything but that."
Mira leaned over the counter giving Lucy the most awkward hug she could manage, tears escaping her bright eyes. "I'm sorry Lucy. I will stop pestering. I'm just so worried about you is all." Lucy nodded into the shoulder of her friend. "I'm happy you are going on missions again." Mira leaned back breaking from the hug.
"Yeah, me too." Lucy giggled. "Especially the group I'm with. It's definitely a combination."
"Combination indeed." Mira smiled. Her eyes moved to the male body that perched himself on the side of Lucy, only receiving a quick smile. "Laxus." She acknowledged.
Lucy swung to the side Laxus sat on, her knees pressing into the side of his leg. Laxus looked down startled by the touch but didn't move, only instead raised a questionable eye brow. "Blondie." He turned his attention back to Mira. "Mirajane. Well, I'm here. What were you wanting with us?"
"Is it a crime to want to see my family before they leave to a different country?" Mira asked as sadness took over her eyes. Lucy's eyes started to tear up as Laxus looked back and forth between both women confused.
"I've gone on longer missions than this and you've never once wanted me to visit before leaving." Laxus murmured. Lucy shot him a glare.
"Well apparently it's different now. I however appreciate it." She smiled at Mira. "At least someone is worried about our well-being."
"I think it's mainly because of you, the damsel in distress."
Lucy clucked her tongue. "So that's the card you want to pull? Is that why you decided you just had to come with?" She crossed her arms glaring at him.
"Guess you'll never know."
"I have a right to know." She spat.
"Drop it Blondie." He chided back amused which only irritated Lucy more. She huffed at him, twisting away in her seat.
"Jerk." She grumbled before she took an angry sip of her drink.
"Oi Bunny!" A voice roared through the quiet guild. "Laxus! Y'all ready?" Gajeel yelled as he, Levy, and Lily stood by the doors. Lucy smiled in their direction and leaned over the counter to give Mira one last hug.
"Be careful." Mira whispered in her ear. She pulled back and looked at Laxus, grabbing his arm stopping him as Lucy collected her stuff and jog toward the trio by the door. Out of ear shot, "I know I said the same thing last time, but please take care of her. She's happy now and I can see part of it is definitely you. She has more life in her eyes. Keep doing whatever you're doing." Laxus shrugged her arm off as he leaned down grabbing his duffel bag.
"It's not me." And he walked away leaving a stunned Mira. He stopped, looking over his shoulder realizing how much of an ass he's being. "But she will be safe. I will make sure of it so don't worry too much." And with that he walked off leaving no room for her to say anything else.
Night time was falling as they sat on the train. It was going to take several days to get there. They all agreed to take train for the first part of way before traveling rest on foot due to the slayers motion sickness. Each pair got their own booth since the train was deserted. Lucy stared at the blonde dragon slayer as he laid partially on the seat, his arm over his eyes shielding them from the light. She hummed to herself as she turned her attention towards the window to watch the night sky pass by. Her feet were tucked under her, head tilted on her palm as her elbow was propped on the window sill.
She closed her eyes as her mind started in high gear. She missed her team. She missed Wendy and Carla. Wendy's sweet voice and her caring personality. She became the little sister that she never had. Erza and her wits. Her over protective big sister front. Gray and his brotherly love. Not exactly his stripping habits, but he always had the right things to say.
Then there was Natsu.
He was the one who brought her to Fairy Tail. The one who was always right there beside her. Protecting her. Words of wisdom. He may have always ate her out of the house, snuck in to sleep in her bed, destroyed stuff, but he was always happy and upbeat. The thought made her smile. Nothing was ever going to change the fact that he was her best friend.
But did she truly love him outside being a friend?
No.
Not anymore. The feelings that she thought she had for him were just a fluke. Now that he's been away, she finally understood where her heart stood when it came to him. She loved the idea of being with him because of their bond, of how close they were. With him being gone, those feelings just weren't the same. She missed him terribly, but as her best friend.
She opened her eyes and peered at the snoring slayer that rode in the seat across from her. She smiled. She didn't know why he had a sudden urge of protection over her, or the fact that he thought he needed to protect her was beyond her and she wasn't going to ask. She didn't want to know. But what was he to her? She turned her attention back to the window with a quiet sigh.
He was handsome. One of the most attractive guys in her eyes. He had a side that most people didn't get to experience. He listened to everything she said and didn't ask unnecessary questions or pester her to tell him things she didn't want to talk about. Then there was that kiss. She felt the heat rise to her cheeks, her hand raising to cautiously touch it. She was not expecting him to do that. But what did the kiss mean? Did she want him to do it again? Did she want something more with him? She enjoyed the kiss none the less. She even lightly kissed him back. It was true, she felt herself, comfortable with him. She felt safe with his arms wrapped around her. All the feelings and questions overwhelming her, her eyes suddenly felt heavy as lack of sleep was catching up to her. Before she knew it, she was off to dreamland.
Laxus groaned as the train jerked, waking him from a fitful slumber. He removed his arm from his face to see dawn peeking through the window. He sat up, feeling the queasiness in the pit of his stomach. He cradled his head in between his hands. He couldn't wait to get off the death contraption. He hated showing that he had that weakness, but he could only hide it for so long, especially after a longer time period.
He glanced up to see Lucy sleeping propped up against the window. He winced at the sight of her position, knowing she was going to feel it when she woke up.
"Last call, Clover Town." The voice over the intercom spoke. Laxus rubbed his eyes before standing up shakily. He leaned down and shook Lucy's shoulder.
"Blondie. Wake up." He said. She started to stir, but he could tell she was still a sleep. "Blondie." He tried again, shaking her a little harder. He heard a groan and her eyes slowly opening.
"Whaa?" She croaked snapping her head up. "Ow." She rubbed her neck. "I knew I should have laid down. Definitely regretting resting my eyes when I was in that position."
"We're coming up on Clover Town. We'll walk from there." Laxus decided. He picked up his bag as she stood up and stretched.
"Right." She agreed. They walked down the aisle and stopped at the booth where Levy and Gajeel were still a sleep. Lucy covered her mouth with a giggle at the sight in front of her. "Uh should we…maybe?" She couldn't get all the words out without wanting to laugh. Gajeel was on his back, one leg up over the back of the seat while the other one the floor. How he was capable of pulling that off was beyond them. Then Levy was sprawled out across him, drool coming out of her mouth causing a puddle on his chest. Lily was curled on top of Gajeel's face.
Laxus brought a little electricity to his finger, smirking, he leaned down and touched the metal slayer in the leg. What happened next had Lucy screeching and covering her face, Laxus jumping back grabbing Lucy by the waist, turning them around so his back was shielding them. Levy was thrown across the car into the other seat bench then thumping to the floor. Lily was thrown into the back of Laxus as Gajeel extended his metal pole arm, Laxus barely dodging it.
"What the fuck man." Gajeel roared breathing heavily from the sudden shock. "Are you trying to get killed?" Laxus released his tight hold on Lucy but leaving his arm around her waist as he turned them around. Lucy shot Laxus a dirty look because in truth, the situation could have been so much worse. The train came to a halt jerking the four and the voice sounding over the speaker as last call.
"It's our stop sleeping beauty. Let's go." Laxus responded heading towards the doors and ignoring Gajeel's outburst. Lucy looked at Laxus than back to Gajeel whom was cursing about the lightning dick. Lucy kneeled down and offered her hand to the confused Levy who looked in a state of petrified.
"Sorry about that. I didn't know he was going to do that or else I would have definitely stopped him. Are you okay?" Lucy asked as Levy took her hand as they both stood up. She fixed her dress and ran her fingers through her blue hair before sighing.
"Well, I could think of other ways of waking up besides being tossed across the car, but hey no harm done. I however don't think Gaj is going to let that one go. He's going to start plotting." Levy whispered the last part, covering her mouth as she leaned towards Lucy's ear. Lucy nodded.
"I don't even want to know." Lucy commented as they filed out.
"We should play a game." Lucy blurted as they were walking down a path surrounded with trees. Everyone looked towards her. "I mean it'll help pass the time. I'm not good with silence for very long."
"A game sounds nice." Levy agreed shaking her head. "But as to what game." She pondered.
"I ain't playing no damn game." Gajeel muttered. Lucy turned around her hands on her hips as she walked backwards.
"Well aren't you a party pooper. Than what do you propose we do?" She demanded. He shrugged.
"Beats me." He replied. She clicked her tongue and turned around to walk normal. She rubbed her hand over Plue's key as he appeared next to her walking.
"Hi Plue." Lucy squealed stopping as Plue danced in front of her with shakes. Laxus, who was a head of the group, stopped and stared at the celestial mage. She plucked the celestial spirit up and cuddled him in her arms. Laxus raised a brow but didn't say anything.
"Is that a snowman?" Gajeel asked.
"No idiot. He's a dog." Lucy stated as they began walking again.
"He has a damn carrot as a nose. He's a snowman." Gajeel spat back at her in a teasing tone.
"He's definitely a dog." Levy agreed as she walked next to Lucy to pet Plue's head.
"Does it matter what he is?" Laxus asked startling everyone after being silent the entire time. Lucy smiled. She loved hearing his voice, besides when he was being mean.
"He's a dog. And my celestial spirit. He's not a snowman. It matters to me." Lucy responded back. Laxus stopped to let them catch up. Lucy stopped next to him, Laxus leaning down to inspect Plue. Plue shook in her arms on edge, but after a minute, he smiled and reached out for Laxus. "Well that's different." She mumbled. "He wants you Laxus." She held him out in front of Laxus's face.
"Say what?" He asked blinking and flinching back. She held Plue up again towards him.
"He wants you to carry him. Normally he doesn't let anyone but me carry him but he for some reason wants you." She said flashing him a smile. He stared at her with disbelief. He didn't exactly want to carry the fur ball, but how could he deny her? Reluctantly, he reached out grabbing Plue and cradling him to his chest.
"This…this does not get out to no one." Laxus hissed turning around and started walking again leading the way.
"Oh, we'll see about that lightning boy." Gajeel chuckled. Laxus shot him a look that could kill only making Gajeel smirk.
"I have a feeling this is going to be a long walk." Levy sighed. "Hopefully they don't end up trying to kill each other before the end of it."
Lucy nodded. "This reminds me of Gray and Natsu." Laxus stopped at the mention of their names tensing up.
"Don't you dare compare me to those idiots. That's insulting." He said not looking at her. It's not like he didn't like Natsu or Gray, they grew on him but to be compared to someone so immature really pissed him off. He would never stoop that low of stupidity.
"So-sorry Laxus. I didn't mean it as a bad thing. I just sometimes miss them is all." Lucy sadly said. Levy looped her arm in Lucy's as they walked.
"I don't think it was all that bad. I mean, you guys do bicker similar to how they do. It's nothing bad. It's rather nice. Things haven't been the same with the group gone." Levy added.
"Yeah, it's definitely been quiet with flame brain gone." Gajeel mentioned.
"Sorry." Laxus responded. He didn't know what else to say. There he was being an ass again and not meaning to. He didn't like how he upset her. He wasn't intentionally trying to. He looked down at the spirit that was still perched in his arms, shaking. His beady little eyes stared up at him as he talked in his own language.
Lucy gasped as they came into a clearing, stopping in her tracks, a hand raising to her chest. She bit her bottom lip glancing around.
"Lu?" Levy asked placing a hand on her arm. Lucy turned and looked at her friend with sad eyes.
"Remember when Oracion Seis first attacked? Well, over there," She pointed. "Is where Cait Shelter was. This is where we defeated Nirvana." They followed her finger to the damage that was left behind from the battle. "And where I acquired Aries and Gemini." She whispered pulling out her keys.
"Well, you can tell us the story after we set up camp." Laxus broke the silence sitting his bag down. "I'm curious to hear about it."
