A/N: Hello!

Enjoy!

Epilogue

TWO MONTHS LATER

At this time only the dimly lit streets and the moonlight glowing in the dark sky were the only source of light outside. The body heat radiating right beside me kept the chill of the night air from touching my skin, but at the same time sending shivers down my spine. Such a peaceful and quiet atmosphere was almost to good to be true.

"Pick Up!...Answer it! Answer it!...Pick Up! Pick Up!..." I vaguely heard the cheering of Bickslow's Babies coming from his communications lacrima. I did say 'almost to good to be true.'

With eyes still closed, I hastily rolled over Bickslow to the vibrating lacrima on the night stand; feeling for it as it continued to ring. Once I finally made contact with the contraption, I placed my head on Bickslow's chest, hearing the steady beat of his heart, and answered the noisy little thing, "Hello...?"

"Whoa! Is that you, Blondie?" Laxus asked.

I lifted my head, just enough to shoot a glare at Laxus through my bangs, "What do you want, you spark plug?"

He snickered, "'Spark plug'?" He shook his head, "Pass the lacrima to Bickslow, would ya?"

I scoffed, but gave the device to Bickslow by colliding it to his forehead, "Bickslow!" He grunts, "Laxus." When he took it, I rested back down on his chest, trying to fall back to sleep.

"Laxus? Ugh...what is it, man?" He croaked and draped his arm around my shoulders, his thumb rubbing circles, which was slowly drifting me back to sleep.

BICKSLOW'S POV

"It's time." Laxus simply said. I mean, I know I asked him for help, but it's wayyy too early.

"What? Right now?" I questioned.

"Yeah, now." Laxus confirmed.

"Where?"

"Not that far."

"How long will it take?"

"Depends. Just hurry, we leave in 30."

"Alright. Later." There was a beep and the screen turned black. I placed the lacrima back on the stand then turned to my already fast asleep lover of 2 years now. 'Has it really been 2 years? Man, I can't believe that it's already our anniversary.' Without realizing it, I felt a smile slowly creeping on my lips. I leaned forward to gently press my lips to her head. Then, as carefully as I could, I reluctantly moved from under her, so to not disturb her beauty sleep. Once I was free, I freshened up, got ready, and grabbed my already packed bag and exited the room. Knowing my babies were gonna follow me when I walked out.

LUCY'S POV

When I felt the warm sheets of the mattress from under me, I knew that Bickslow was already making his way out the door, leaving for a mission again. So after I saw his back leave the room, I waited a couple of seconds before rolling off the bed and quietly made my way toward him. As he reached for the handle, I made my presence known and acted as if I suddenly woke up, which I kind of did.

"Bix...?" He paused just as he was about to leave the house. I faked a yawn, pretending to rub the sleep from my eye with the back of my hand.

"Cosplayer...sorry, did I wake you?" He asked, his head turned to the side as he look at me from the corner of his eye.

'...Well, at least he said "sorry". But it still hurts that he's leaving without telling me.' Dropping my head, I barely mumbled out, "...You're going to leave without even saying 'goodbye'...?"

"No, baby, It's not like that. I'm gonna be back later today, so don't worry." He clarified as he walked in front of me, seeing his shoes in my line of view and feeling his hands gently gripping my arms as he bent down a little to get a look at my face.

"You're still leaving without saying anything."

Seeing his hand go to my chin, he gently grabbed it and brought it up, his eyes looking straight into mine, "That's because I know I'll be back later." I hadn't realize I was tearing until Bickslow leaned down and kissed them away. Then he glided his lips over to the tip of my nose and planted one there, causing a light giggle to sound within my throat when he playfully nipped it. Pulling away, he looked at me with a twinkle deep within his dark red eyes.

I sighed, then pecked his cheek, "Just be careful, okay?"

A grin spread across his face, "Okay." Then he leaned down to capture my lips in a soft kiss.

"Bickslow! Bickslow!" The babies suddenly called from above us. We broke the contact of our lips to look at them, "Let's go! Let's go!" They continued.

I let out a chuckle as they circled above us, then I turned to Bickslow, "You should go. Your team is probably waiting for you."

He looked down at me, nodded, and peaked my lips, "I'll be back later, 'kay?"

I nodded this time, smiling sadly up at him, "I know you will." 'No no no, don't cry, don't cry...'

My eyes drifted close when he pressed his lips to my forehead. And just like that, he and his babies were out the door, leaving me standing there, staring at the same door he just left from.

"...Happy Anniversary..." The words traveling through the air, instead of upon the ears of the person that just left.

Feeling the sudden chill of the room, I wrapped my arms around my torso, already wishing Bickslow was back, and headed to my room; feeling as if lead were tied to my feet as I dragged them against the dark blue carpet. I crawled into bed and settled on Bickslow's side, smelling the natural scent of sandalwood on his pillow. Bringing the blankets up to my chin, I snuggled into the pillow and finally let myself fall asleep, yet again.

10:45, AT THE GUILD HALL

After having 6 more hours of sleep, I got ready and went to the guild hall. Walking through the doors, I paused and looked around. There were only a few tables occupied, but it wasn't as noisy as it usually was. I was about to double-check, to see if I'd mistakenly walked into the wrong place, until I spotted Mira and Cana chatting at the bar.

"Morning, guys." I greeted, interrupting their conversation.

"Good Morning, Lucy. Did you want your usual?" Mira asked.

"Actually, could I have some breakfast, Mira?"

"Sure. Do you want pancakes or eggs and bacon?" She suggested.

"Pancakes, please." I immediately answered.

She chuckled, "Coming right up!" Then left through the door that lead to the kitchen.

"Hey Cana, do you know what mission Laxus and his team are on?" I asked, turning my head to her.

"Mission? Laxus never mentioned-...oohhhh, that mission. Yeah, he said something about leaving early to go on a mission that was like an hour away or something." She said, finishing off her mug by slamming it on the counter and making a grab for another that was next to the empty one. I was about to ask her another question when Mira came through the door, carrying a plate high above her head.

"Here you go, Lucy. Two stacks of chocolate chip pancakes, topped with a couple of slices of strawberry and whipped cream, AND bathed in a thin pool of maple syrup." Mira presented. A growl instantly erupted from my stomach when she sat it down in front of me.

"You out did yourself, Mira! It looks so delicious, thank you!" I thanked before grabbing the fork and knife and digging into my favorite kind of pancakes ever.

"Oh, don't mention it, Lucy. So, what'd I miss?" She asked.

"Not much. I just told Lucy that Laxus and the others are on a mission like everyone else." I heard Cana tell Mira. Inconspicuous to the wink they exchanged.

"Ohhh, rent money must be due then if they're all out on missions, including Nab, which is weird." I shrugged, taking another bite of this delicious breakfast.

"Yup." Cana said, taking several gulps of her beverage.

"Wait...isn't today your anniversary, Lucy?" Mira asked, filling Cana another beer. I paused for a second, then slowly continued to cut myself another piece.

"...Yeah, but why should I care? I mean, it's not like we've been together for 2 years, 4 months, 15 days, 10 hours, 55 minutes, and-" I glanced at the clock behind Mira, "-32 seconds and counting, but really? Who's counting?! Not ME?!" I growled out, before stabbing the piece, I previously cut, and shoving it into my mouth. The people, who hadn't left for a mission, were probably giving me weird looks, but I didn't care. I was hurt, frustrated, worried, and furious that Bickslow left and forgot the day of our anniversary...AGAIN!

CANA'S POV

"Mira, calm. Down." I emphasized, through clenched teeth.

After Lucy had just said that, I immediately looked toward Mira and she was already glowing a dark aura that signified that she was pissed off and about ready to unleash her Satan Soul...or worst. Not that I was complaining though, I wanted to beat the crap out of Bickslow too -if Lucy gives us the chance-, but we were holding back for a specific reason. And Bickslow was that reason. The day before their "mission" Laxus told me, and Freed told Mira, that Bickslow wanted to surprise Lucy on their anniversary and to do that he needed our help -me and Mira. He said that we were the distraction and if she got angry we had to soothe her, instead of encouraging her into beating the shit out of him for "forgetting" about their day. Of course, I rejected. I cared about Lucy, way more than Bickslow, that's for sure. She helped me out during my most vulnerable time, the S-class trials. She offered to become my partner, she helped me find the first master's tomb, she forgave me for putting her unconscious after that, and even encouraged and, literally, pushed me into confessing to Gildarts that he was my dad. She did so much for me that time, why not do the same for her by giving Bickslow a little punishment? And not the good kind. However, in the end, Laxus had his way. Who was I to deny those long, torturous, yet pleasurable hours of..."persuasion"? My body began reacting to the memory, but I quickly pushed that aside and focused on Mira.

"Mira, you need to calm down." I grabbed her hand and squeezed it hard, "I know you want to beat Bickslow to a pulp, so do I, but wouldn't it be worth seeing Lucy's face for what he has planned for her?" I reasoned, turning to Lucy, who was now as angry as us, clenching the utensils in her hands tightly, and shooting daggers at the half eaten pancakes as if they were Bickslow's head. Just imaging her all jumpy and bouncy with a radiate smile that stretched from ear to ear and would never waver was enough to calm me down. Mira calmed down some, but not enough.

I turned back to Mira, "If not for Bickslow, then do it for Lucy. Calm down for Lucy." That got to her.

She let out a deep sigh, as her dark aura disappeared along with it, "For Lucy." She smiled, placed her hand over mine, and faced me, "Thanks."

I nodded, released her hand, and turned to a still angry Lucy, who was in the same position from when I saw her. It's astounding that she never noticed what was happening around her.

LUCY'S POV

I was brought out of my daydreaming when I felt Mira's hands on mine, gripped very tightly that my knuckles turned white, and slowly loosened them. The stiffness in them was making it hard to drop the utensils, so Mira gently took them out and placed them, and my breakfast, on the side. As I slowly opened my hands, hissing from the slight pain that it brought me, I felt Cana's hand on my shoulder and turned to see her smiling.

"What?" I asked, looking between her and Mira, who was smiling at me as well.

"Are you okay? You looked like you were about to turn your breakfast into a soup." Cana said, chuckling lightly.

"Did you want some juice?" Mira asked.

"Yes, please. And I'm fine, now that I've cooled down some." I replied, gazing down at my hands. I gave a slight grimace at the imprint crescent-shaped moons that marked my palms, they were really deep. Then the orange juice came, bringing my attention away from my palms to thank her with a smile. Taking the cup with my hand and bringing it to my lips, I took a sip. The sweetness and tanginess of it passing through my taste buds and down my throat was a refreshing feeling. I set it back down, handling it with both of my hands. While that was going on, I still never took notice of the gestures exchanged between Mira and Cana.

"Well, now that you've relaxed a bit, do you know what you're getting for Bickslow this year?" Mira asked, putting her elbows up on the counter and resting her chin in her hands. I noticed that she does this when something interesting's about to be told. Cana removed her hand from my shoulder awhile ago to take a sip of her beer.

Feeling the blood rush straight to my cheeks, I looked down and stuttered, "U-u-umm..."

"Are going to give him something new?" Cana suggested, while drinking.

"K-k-kind of..." I stuttered out, the blood warming my ears and gradually increasing the longer I thought about my gift for him.

"Are you going to cosplay for him?" Mira suggested mischievously, wiggling her brow.

"MIRA!..." By now I'm pretty sure my face was the color of Erza's hair and steam started coming out of my ears.

"...You don't think..."

"...But isn't Lucy a..." I heard Cana then Mira start. After a couple of seconds I heard them both gasp as realization dawned on them.

"YOU'RE GOING TO GIVE HIM YOUR VIRGINITY?!" Both of them shouted at the same time, making it echo throughout the guild hall.

"SHHH! Keep your voices down! We have other people still around!" I indicated to the others behind me.

"Oh don't worry, Lucy. Nobody else's here, except us. Take a look!" Mira said, pointing behind me. I furrowed my brows together and took a look behind me and my jaw dropped. I saw that the once occupied tables were now empty with mugs still on the table and then realized that we had the hall all to ourselves.

"Oh my Mavis, how did that happen?" I asked, still staring at the empty hall.

CANA'S POV

'They must've noticed Mira's aura and fearfully left as quickly as they could to avoid getting hurt. Dammit Mira!' I thought, gulping down the rest of my drink.

"Maybe they suddenly realized they had something to do." I smoothly lied, while glaring at Mira as I put my now empty mug down and grabbed the other one that she previously filled.

'Sorry.' Mira mouthed as she took the empty one and filled it. I rolled my eyes and guzzled my drink down in frustration.

LUCY'S POV

"Huh, I guess it can't be helped." I shrugged and faced forward.

"So, what was last years gift?" Cana asked, already finishing her third one I saw today.

"Last year, I bought him that black cape." They both looked at me with a tilt of their heads, confusion written on their faces, so I elaborated, "It's sort of looks like Laxus' one with fur lining the shoulders and collar, the edges lined with metallic, and I, personally, added the heart emblem that holds everything together. I don't think he's ever worn it around, but when he goes on missions he always takes it. And, yeah, that's pretty much what I got him."

"So, you added the heart emblem because of your last name, right? Heartfilia?" Mira asked.

"Uh-huh." I nodded.

"Ooohhhhh." They both said in unison.

"Yup."

"Hey, we got the guild hall to ourselves. You guys thinkin' what I'm thinkin'?" Cana gave us her mischievious grin.

"Oh gosh, Cana." Mira muttered, rubbing her temple, "We are not having a party without the Master's consent!"

"That's not what I was thinking at all." Cana pouted, sticking out her bottom lip.

"Well, that's good to know." Mira removed her hand from her temple, sighing in relief. 'Hold on a second, Mira...'

"I was thinking of...A DRINKING CONTEST!" Cana cheered. 'I knew it...' I sighed.

"I'm alright." I said, chuckling nervously.

"Come on, Lucy. This'll help you loosen up."

"Just let me finish my juice first, then I'll think about it." I said, grabbing my juice.

"Ugh..." Cana grumbled.

MIRA'S POV

"Cana, can I speak to you for a second?" I politely asked, although inside asked-no, demanded it.

"U-uhh, sure, Mira." Cana cooly said, but on the inside I knew she was afraid.

Turning to Lucy, I said, "We'll be right back, Lucy."

She nodded, finishing up her juice.

I brought Cana to the end of the bar and asked, politely as possible, "What the hell do you think you're doing? We cannot allow Lucy to get drunk, she has to get ready for her date with Bickslow later. I mean, he even gave us instructions to give to her." I said, waving the card Bickslow gave us in the air.

"I know! But don't you want her to loosen up before she goes? I know I would."

"Cana..." I warned.

"Miraaaaaaa..." She whined.

"What about Bickslow? He planned the entire thing..." I said, starting to feel bad for him.

"Fuck Bickslow! This is what he gets for pretending to forget about the most special day of Lucy's life!" She exclaimed, taking a swing of her drink. 'That's true..."

I sighed, "I'm going to regret this later."

"WOOOO! DRINKING CONTEST!" Cana cheered loudly, "Mira, get the Master, quick!"

I sighed again, but then reminded myself that this was all for Lucy. 'Sorry, Bickslow...' And with that, I went upstairs to the Master's office to invite him to our drinking contest.

After the Master eagerly agreed and Lucy came back from the bathroom, we moved to one of the many open tables and started the contest. I didn't want to be in any part of it, so I was the one to constantly bring them their drinks. The contest was brutal, they started going slowly, eyeing each other out, then out of nowhere they gulped it down like water -Cana and Master. Lucy drank it down too, but at a slower pace, but she still kept going. I lost count on how many mugs they went through, but I believe they went through 4 and a half barrels. Surprisingly, Lucy held up until sunset. Right now, she was sitting on the bench, giggling, and having fun with every drink she chugged down. Just as I was about to give them another round, both doors to the guild hall slammed wide open so hard that the glass windows behind them shattered in the process.

"CANAAAAAAAA!" Laxus roared, sparks of lightning dancing across his body as he shot Cana a menacing look, who froze under his gaze. Freed and Bickslow on either side of him with equally menacing expressions upon their faces, which visibly makes me shake because they're hardly ever angry.

NARRATIVE

"Laxus, my boy, how was your mission?" Makarov slurred, when all three of them began making their approach. They ignored him. Quickly realizing that he wasn't needed, Master Makarov immediately made his way back to his office and firmly shut his door, sighing when he came face to face with the endless piles of paperwork he had to finish.

As the three men approached their respective woman and stood in front of them, the girls remained silent until Laxus decided to speak.

"What. The. FUCK?!" Mira was the only one to flinch, considering she was the only one sober. And being the eldest of the three girls, Mira decided to respond.

"It's my fault. I thought that Lucy needed to loosen up, so I decided that a few drinks would help her." She said confidently, looking at each of the men, who weren't sparing her a glance, except for her boyfriend.

"Mira, do not try to cover for Cana. Because you would never suggest drinking as a way to compose someone. Plus, Cana is Laxus' mate, so he instinctively knows that she is the cause of all this." Freed stated matter-of-factly. Mira looked down, ashamed.

"You had two instructions to follow, Cana: you had to distract and comfort Lucy. NOT HAVE A DRINKING CONTEST WITH HER! Fuck Cana! What were you thinking?!" Laxus scolded, taking a step toward his heavily drunken mate.

"Oh, lighten up." Cana said, taking a sip of her beer until she burst out laughing, "Hahaha, get it? 'Lighten up'", she chuckled before mumbling, "I crack myself up." Then hummed as she finished up her beer and placed it on the side, then laid herself down on the table she was sitting on.

"CANA!" Laxus shouted.

"All right, all right! Sheesh. Lucy came and asked what kind of "mission" you guys were on because she thought that her insensitive boyfriend had "forgotten" their anniversary again. And, even though she thought that, she still thought of him and decided to give him something that will finally make her a WOMAN. So, after we cooled her down, I suggested to do a drinking contest. And YES, it was to help her loosen up because she needed it, so don't blame Mira and I for the things that Bickslow should've done in the first place. He had everything planned out, but just couldn't tell Lucy three simple words to at least ease her conscience that he actually remembered this year: 'Happy Anniversary, Lucy'." Cana, who was still laying on the table, air quoted and emphasized certain words to prove her point. Cana maybe the drunkard of the guild, but there are times when her intoxication can be of some use. Hearing her explanation, lightened the mood of all three of the men in front of her causing them to glance at each other and relax their composures.

"I see...no mating for a week." Laxus concluded, nonchalantly.

"WHAT?!" Cana shot up from her position and stared, wide-eyed, at her mate, "But I confessed that it was my fault!"

"Yes, but you still didn't follow the original instructions that I gave you." Laxus grinned, crossing his arms.

"But-!"

"You wanna make it 3 weeks?" He smirked, clearly enjoying this game. Cana groaned, falling back on the table.

"Well, if my fellow team mates would excuse me, I have to punish my sweet, dear, Lady Mirajane for lying to her lover." Freed said, approaching his girlfriend.

"'Punish'?" She questioned, but never received an answer because Freed bent down, grabbed Mira behind her knees, and straightened back up with her over his broad shoulder. Freed may look weak, but don't let that fool you. As they walked out, Mira's beet red face could be seen from within her silver hair. Bickslow and Laxus chuckled.

"You heading out, man?" Laxus asked.

"Yeah, might as well. Gotta take Cosplayer to bed, right?" Bickslow indicated his thumb to a softly snoring Lucy. Some time during the argument she just dropped and fell soundlessly asleep. Bickslow carefully lifted Lucy, bridal style, letting her head rest on his chest as she mumbled, "One more drink..." Making Bickslow chuckle lightly.

"Same here." Laxus said, grabbing Cana by the waist and draping her over his shoulder like a wet towel.

"Hey! Why do handle me so roughly?! And put me down, I can walk, you know!" Cana constantly shouted as both men walked out the door with their woman in their arms.

"Don't you have to close up?" Bickslow asked once they got outside.

"I'll just let Gramps do it, he's still inside."

"'Kay then, see ya, man. And thanks anyway for the set up with the restaurant and stuff."

Laxus nodded, "See ya." And they both walked their separate ways.

"Bye! Hey, wait. Carry me like how Bickslow's carrying Lucy. Hey. Hey! Are you listening to me?!" Cana smacked Laxus' head.

"That's it! No mating for 3 weeks!"

"What?! Nooooooo...!" Cana cried and whimpered all the way home.