Hi everyone!

I am SO sorry for the delay on this. It kind of fought me like a bish. But! It ended up being much longer than I had originally planned. Once LaLu got started… they… well… you'll see LOL!

But! On to the reading!


Chapter 7 - Prey

Laxus tossed a few jewels on the bar before he took his stein and headed towards his usual spot. His eyes roamed over the hall, as they always did, but he met with a disappointment that he was still struggling to deal with. She's not here… again. He'd only seen Lucy for a total of five minutes in the guild hall, tops, since he'd left her place a week ago. Every day it was said she came in early, grabbed a quick mission and didn't return till late in the evening. He figured she was avoiding him. And while he told himself it didn't bother him or that it wasn't his concern, it bothered the fuck out of him. He wanted nothing more than to track her ass down, drag her back and make her talk. But that isn't what someone like him did, she was just supposed to be a notch in the belt.

Supposed to be. Every night he heard her voice in his sleep, could feel the touch of her fingers when he closed his eyes. He found himself looking for her every time he entered the guild, wondering what she was doing on nights he went out. It confused and infuriated him. Fucking devil snatch… that's what she's got. That had to be the explanation for it. He just knew she had her shit enchanted, pulling men to their deaths. It was the perfect elucidation for what had happened in her apartment. He'd never once masturbated for or with anyone else. It was always done in the privacy of his own home, if he did it at all. He always had a warm and willing body right there to satisfy the need. But there had been that pull, making him want her to watch him. Making him need to orgasm with her. Just the thought of that climax still made his toes tingle.

It was driving him completely insane. He didn't have time for attachments, didn't want or need them. It was the whole reason behind the love 'em and leave 'em policy. It was for their safety really, and saved him the hassle of letting them down gently. But her? Lucy just had to be different. She was like the finest cocaine, the best pixie dust found in a syringe, the fabled green fairy in his shot glass. It was him wanting to seek her out. What the fuck am I thinking?

"You look troubled, Laxus. Something on your mind?"

Blinking his way out of his self-induced stupor, Laxus looked around before his eyes met the cerulean eyes of his best friend. "S'up Freed?" he mumbled as he walked around to take up his usual seat at their table.

The Rune mage pulled a ribbon from his book and laid it between the pages he'd been reading. "Just doing some light reading to pass the time."

Laxus glanced down at the three inch thick book in his friend's hands, a chuckle spilling out as he shook his head. That was Freed. He was the only person he knew that read books like War and Peace, The Grapes of Wrath and Atlas Shrugged for fun. "So, why are we passing time?"

"I am awaiting Levy's arrival. I agreed to assisting her with some text translations."

"Mhm," he nodded. "Sounds like an afternoon of fun."

Freed set his book down, his slender fingers playing with the page edges as he studied the Slayer. "I shall pose the question again, what has been on your mind as of late?"

"Not su-"

The Rune mage lifted a hand to stop him mid-sentence. "Are you truly going to play the oblivious subterfuge with me?"

Laxus' stein paused just moments from his lips as he side eyed the mage. It was the one downfall to the being as close as they were. Freed had a way of always knowing when something was off. But that street went both ways. "I could ask you the same thing."

"I do not know what you mean," Freed responded tightly.

He watched the man fidget with that magical cravat of his. It was a nervous habit. "Sure you do," Laxus smirked. "What's up with the looks on the train between you and Bickslow? Please don't tell me you're wanting the Slosh."

"What?" Freed scoffed. "Are you… Me and… Cana?"

Laxus had to bite his lip to keep from laughing at the green tint that spread from the Rune mage's hair onto his skin. He'd long since decided that it had nothing to do with the Card mage. The memory of his poor friend physically falling ill at the sight of a regular porn magazine was still imprinted in his brain. It was one of those things that could not be unseen. For as perfect as Freed liked to play at being a perfectionist, he became a crying, sobbing mess when it came to throwing up. "It was a joke, Man," he sighed. "That was a joke but guessing you and Bicks must've tied into it."

"No, it was…" Freed shifted uncomfortably in his seat. "I was just incensed over the unremitting ridicule."

What the fuck are you hiding now? He could taste the lie on his friend's words as surely as he could still taste the ale that lingered on his tongue. It wasn't just the teasing, that was nothing new. He had no doubts that there was something else, but he couldn't press. If his teammates fought, he made it a point to keep out of it. They were adults and could handle their own drama. So, he was stuck with the only option. Play along. "Freed," he sighed. "I love ya, Man. Like my own damn brother. But you know you gotta stick up for yourself at some point, don't let them two or anyone else push your ass around."

"I know…"

He gave a nod of his head and opened his mouth to respond when the guild doors opened, carrying the scent of strawberries, honey and candy. The fires of sudden anger and fear ignited in the pit of his stomach as his head snapped up, his eyes seeking out the owner. A pleased smile rested on her lips as she strolled in, seemingly lost in conversation with the large black exceed beside her. Her honey blonde hair was down, much to his disappointment, falling in thick waves over her shoulders. The blue tank top she wore fit like a glove, molding to the generous curves of her breasts, small waist and flat stomach. The white tennis skirt she'd chosen fit over her hips, flaring out just below rise in her hips and ending just under her ass. His eyes traveled down the tan, toned length of her legs, his tongue sneaking out to moisten his lips. He knew how those legs felt wrapped around him.

What the fuck is… oh.

Movement in her arms drew his attention up. A strange little snowman thing with a waffle cone for a nose squirmed against her, a lollipop firmly grasped in each… Paw? He'd never seen anything quite like it and he wasn't completely sure what to make of the oddity. But watching it alternate licking one sucker and then the other explained the candy scent he smelled. Suddenly the snowman paused mid-lick, its head turning and beady little black eyes locked with his. It blinked at him a couple of times, the head tilting to the side much the way a dog would. He couldn't exactly explain it, but he suddenly felt uncomfortable under the weight of the strange gaze and found himself mocking its movement. Until it let out what sounded like a growl. Curiosity went straight out the window, replaced by aggravation… and dare he admit, fear? Great, she found herself a fucking demon. A real one…

He quickly averted his gaze, but not before he caught the quirked brow she shot him. "Damn devil snatch. Goes out on a mission and comes back with a demon to go with it," he mumbled under his breath.

"Ah, I see now."

He looked across the table at the smug Rune mage. "See what?"

Freed glanced over his shoulder before turning back to blink, a stoic expression on his face. "She is what has been plaguing you."

"Whatever," he tsked with a dismissive wave of his hand. "She's just another guildmate."

"Mhm."

"What?" Laxus growled. "Don't give me that mhm crap."

The Rune mage let out a heavy sigh. "It has already been established that you two have… engaged in coitus, correct?"

The Slayer blinked, his lips parting as his jaw dropped. Did he just really… "Freed, please tell me you don't actually use that word with the people you fuck."

"What goes on between myself and a potential partner is highly irrelevant here."

"Not if you call fucking 'coitus'," Laxus chuckled in disbelief.

Freed gave a shrug of a slender shoulder. "Then call it whatever you wish. Coitus, making love, sexual intercourse…"

"Fucking."

"Fine, that word," the Rune mage conceded. "But you have been exceptionally irritable since we returned from Crocus and said act occurred. Well, more than normal, I would venture to admit."

He gave a roll of his eyes before they found their way back to the petite blonde up at the bar. He was irritated, annoyed, displeased, pissed the fuck off… Whatever word Freed wanted to call it. She was under his skin. And not in a comfortable way. He could easily turn away from anything or anyone, except her. It didn't make any sense to him. Sure, she was good. Ok, she was by far the best sex he'd ever had, and he'd had plenty good. Evergreen had nailed it, she wasn't his type though. If he didn't bring sex into the equation. In bed, she was exactly his type. But outside of it, she was seemingly wholesome. A goody-goody and Mavis knew that wasn't him. She would be exactly like every other woman. She'd want to cuddle after sex, want the whole hearts and rainbows bullshit he detested. She'd want a commitment…

"I think you're wrong, Ever. Cosplayer's cool. I think she might even have the same allergy as the Boss Man…"

Bickslow's words drifted back in, giving him reason to frown. He hadn't wanted to believe that possibility then and certainly wasn't buying into it now. She had trouble written all over her. A tight ass little body that men would kill to get a hold of, an absolute vixen when it came to sex (nails and all) and a mouth that was just as dirty as his own. It was a too good to be true type of situation and he just knew the flaw would be catastrophic. She'd want his soul and he wasn't exactly willing to give that up. Not for her, not for anyone. He just needed to stick to his guns and turn the hell away, no matter how much he craved her.

"Have you considered the possibility that you may have just found the cure for your allergy?"

Laxus blinked and glanced over at his friend. "Uh, no."

"It is possible," Freed shrugged. "The fact that you're still dwelling on her belies a different tune."

"Whatever…"

The Rune mage sighed and grabbed his book. "It would appear Levy has arrived," he stated as he rose from his chair. "But a small token of advice?"

He glared up at the man, reluctant to ask but found himself doing so anyway. "What would that be?"

"The fact that you cannot so easily dismiss her as you do your other conquests says that she is unique, that you are seeking something more." Freed paused and glanced over at the bar. "Do not close yourself off to all possibilities. Lucy is different, so think differently with her."

Laxus watched his long time friend walk away, unsure of how to respond to that. He knew he'd regret the question for the answer, and he hadn't been far off. The selfish bastard in him regretted that the Rune mage knew him so well, could hit the nail on the head with deadly accuracy. And this time was no different. Lucy was an anomaly, he'd gotten that after kissing her. It had only been reinforced when they slept together.

"The fact that you cannot so easily dismiss her as your do your other conquests says that she is unique…"

He glanced over at the bar, his eyes locking with hers. Scarlet stained her cheeks as her tongue swept over her pouty lips, her pupils dilating just a fraction. Instantly he was hard and itching to get up just to get to her. His ears ached to hear the sultry tone in her voice, the sound of her heart pounding against her rib cage. He hated his body for responding. He hated the way she suddenly scurried out the front door even more, even if it did take the temptation to touch her away.

"Do not close yourself off to all possibilities…"

Possibilities? He wasn't entirely sure what that was supposed to mean. A growl of frustration slipped from his lips. It was a no-brainer. The only possibility, in his mind, was an all-exclusive relationship with her. And that shit just wasn't happening. There was no way he was going to tie himself down, no matter how good her devil snatch was. Nope. He wouldn't even contemplate the possibility. Unless...

"Yeah, she was out on a date with that one kid she was at the ball with but then she's sneaking out of Laxus' room the next day… Sounds like commitment issues one-o-one."

"Lucy is different, so think differently with her."

He stared at the door for several minutes as his mind put all of the puzzle pieces together, each piece falling into perfect place. It was so perfect, he wondered why he had not considered it before. A surreptitious grin rose on his lips as he brought the stein to his lips. That… It could work. He had to believe that it could, it was too brilliant not to. Everything would hinge on her, but just Bickslow and Freed's words gave him the impression that it just might. Downing the last of his beer, he pushed away from the table and grabbed his coat before stalking towards the door.


Lucy dismissed Plue the moment she was clear of the guild hall doors. She hated to do it, but she needed time to herself. And I'd been having such a good day! She'd taken her first level two job all on her own, without her team. Granted, she'd had Lily with her. She'd been grateful for his appearance in the guildhall when she'd chosen the particular job. It had seemed easy at first glance. A single thief had been robbing people just outside of a small village. With the spirits she had, she just knew she could do it. She'd helped close the Eclipse gate after all. But after signing the logbook, she'd noticed the small print on the back of the paper.

"One mage missing, one critically injured. This is not for an entry level mage, experience is a must."

It had forced her to the edge of doubt. Natsu had already gone out with Gray. Gajeel had been nowhere in sight. Levy and her team were heading out on a mission of their own and Erza had taken Wendy on a shopping trip. She'd been ready to throw in the towel and choose one of the lower level missions. But then fate had intervened when the guild doors had opened and Lily walked in. She knew what he was capable of and trusted him enough to know that should she get in a pickle, he'd have her back. He'd been an easy choice and he'd so generously agreed to accompany her. Of course, looking back on the job now, there had been no reason to fear. Those other two mages had to be dumber than a box of rocks to be wiped out by a single man who was only just learning to use fire magic and was little more than adept at pick pocketing. A single shot from Aquarius had subdued the man.

Lily didn't have to lift a finger and had praised her the entire way home. It gave her confidence. She could do this. She could get stronger and become the person she wanted to be. She could make the right decisions. But then she'd seen him. It was still a mystery as to why Plue had growled at him. He never growled at anyone so the sound had taken her by surprise. That should be a big fat clue, Hooker. The worst part was she knew it was. He was the devil, playing her like a fiddle. He pulled her into sin and then left her to pick herself up, just as he had the week before. Yet the moment she'd locked eyes with him, every single fucking village in her panties was inundated by flash flooding. Those sexy ass bedroom eyes of his the color of the eastern horizon when the sun was setting in the west. That beautiful, god like face of his with those fiendish lips. Her fingertips tingled at the memory of gripping those broad shoulders covered way too well by his violet button up shirt, her legs aching from the memory of those black, slack-covered hips between them.

Even now, as she made her way towards her home, she could feel the annoying evidence of her arousal. She fell prey to him entirely too easy, but she had no clue how to avoid it other than avoiding him. And that's going just fabulous… He was there at every turn, her only reprieve was taking missions. But that would only last for so long. If only he was fucking normal. The thought made her laugh. It was because he wasn't normal that she was in that boat. The more she reminded herself of who he was, what he was about, the more she craved the darkness in him. He was the symbol of pain, heartbreak. His leaving so suddenly after they were done was proof of that. She'd been racked with sad disappointment when he'd all but run from her apartment. That disappointment would only morph later into more. Right now he wanted her, but next week it would be a different story. It was just how he worked.

Unclipping her keys from her pocket, she rounded the corner and froze. A string of curses slipped under her breath as she mentally punched herself in the face. Repeatedly. Fuck. You. Karma. She wasn't exactly ready to deal but much to her dismay, a blond male leaned against the face of her apartment building. Despite his face being turned away from her, she knew exactly who it was. She could smell the ice cream scent of him from where she stood, the wind being quite the bitch by carrying it right to her. Eve… She'd been putting off the inevitable for weeks, unsure of just how to break it to him. His notes and missives doubling almost daily, each one more frantic than the last. It made her realize just how uncomfortable Gray had been all these years with Juvia. Like the Water mage, Eve's persistence bordered on insanity. Well… guess this is as good a time as any.

"Eve?" she called out as she reluctantly made her way towards her building.

His posture stiffened and his head whipped around to stare wide eyed at her, a look of utter elation spreading over his features. "Lucy!" he shouted as he pushed off of the wall.

Lucy's eyes widened as he took off into a full run towards her, her body tensing in preparation for the impact. His arms went about her and she struggled not to gag on the sickeningly sweet smell of his cologne. Her decision to end things only solidified even more in her mind at the way she wanted to recoil from his touch. How… how in the hell did I even manage to get through having sex with him? "I, uh… I…" She fought for words to say as she pulled back from the uncomfortable embrace. "I didn't expect to see you here…"

The Snow mage's cheeks flushed pink as he gave her an embarrassed smile. "I-I'm so sorry, that was…" He paused to take a deep breath as though his nerves needed to be quelled. "I was worried when I didn't hear anything back from you."

Most people would take that as a clue, you creepy little fucker. She winced at the direction her mind immediately went. She almost sounded like the Asshole that was the Lightning Dragon Slayer. She forced herself to shut the lid on her sarcasm and gave a compulsory smile. "I've been so busy since we got back," she said. It wasn't exactly a lie, she had been busy. "The city threw a parade for us and we had a celebration for the new guild hall. The-"

"A new guild hall?"

She gritted her teeth to keep from snapping at him for his apparent lack of manners. She was trying to give him her excuse and he just had to drag it out by cutting her off. "Yes," she replied tightly. "Apparently the Mayor was so happy about us winning that he gave us a new one given our old one had basically been overrun and lost due to lack of funds while we were on Tenrou."

Eve's blond brows shot up to his hairline, exaggerating his boyish features. "Wow, that's amazing."

"Yeah…" she sighed. "And then I had to take a couple of missions to pay rent and all."

"I completely understand," he smiled as he reached for her hand. "I am just glad you're okay."

Lucy hated to come off so cold, but there was no escaping it. Not one sugary word he could say (that he hadn't already said) could sway her pulse into even a skip. It was just nothingness that settled inside of her at his touch, his smile. His presence. Just get this over with… "So… Um…"

"Hey Lucy! Looking good today as always!"

The shouts that came from the river reminded her that this probably wasn't the best place to go breaking the kid's heart. She gave a quick wave to the men on the barge before glancing at her apartment door. "Would you like to come in?"

His nod of acceptance came too quickly, and she hesitated a moment before moving for the door and stepping in to allow him entrance into the building. She turned for the stairs and found her landlady just coming from her apartment. Please don't let her have more mail… She really didn't want to have to read through more love letters at this point. But luck was on her side when the grouchy old woman just shot her an odd look as she passed with the Snow mage. It wasn't a new thing, the woman gave her strange looks all the time. She was most likely wanting to be nosey and question who was with her. A quick climb up carried her to the solitude of her apartment and she quietly opened the door to let him in.

"Your apartment is very cozy, so cute."

She dropped her bag near the door and kicked her shoes off out of habit. "Thanks," she replied autonomously as she moved for the kitchen. "Water? Tea?"

"Yes, water please." Came the reply from the living room area and she gave a sigh of relief when she realized he hadn't followed her. Having him in such a secluded setting was not exactly ideal, but it couldn't be helped. What she had to say did not need an audience out of respect for Eve. She had ultimately planned on delivering the news via a lacrima call. It was more personal than a letter but not as uncomfortable as an actual face to face chat. With him there, she couldn't disconnect the call if he cried or worse. Oh god… What if he begs? Her mind tried to recall exactly what she'd already written out, but everything in her head jumbled under the stress. Grabbing two bottles of water from the fridge, she made her way back to find him sitting on her couch.

"Thank you," Eve smiled as he accepted the bottle of water.

Lucy made her way to the opposite end of her couch, suddenly wishing she'd gone with something larger. Like a sectional. I'm just gonna sit way down here. As close to the arm rest as I can get. I swear, if he reaches over for me… Shit. I don't have a knife handy. Seriously Lucy? It's not like he's going to jump on you and rape your ass. Now Laxus… Yeah, I'd like him to-WHAT? Ok, head back in the game here. She nervously pushed a lock of hair behind her ear as she glanced over at the equally nervous looking mage out of the corner of her eye. She could do this. She just needed to lay it out there, as nice as she possibly could.

"I was hope-"

"I wanted to ta-"

Eve let out an uneasy chuckle when they both spoke at once. "Could… Could I possibly go first?"

Her lips pulled down into a frown. She wanted to immediately deny his request, but that wasn't who she was. She wasn't trying to destroy the kid. What she had to say would hurt him enough so letting him speak first was the least she could do. You're so gonna regret this… "Yeah, go ahead," she responded softly.

"Lucy, I know we haven't had a whole lot of time together. But I do know I like you a lot," he started with a noticeable quiver to his voice. "No… That's not right because it's more than like. I admire your strength and determination. You're such a good person, So generous and kind. Your heart is so pure."

"Eve," she practically groaned. "It really isn't. I'm not as good a person as you think."

The Snow mage gave her a presumptuous smile. "Don't be bashful, my dear Lucy. You don't have to be modest with me. I saw it the first time we all fought together, and while I didn't have a shot back then, I was so upset thinking that Hibiki might steal you away."

Lucy winced at the mention of the Archive mage. That had been a fail. "Well. He did for a while."

"I know, but I knew it wouldn't last. He couldn't stay faithful."

"About that…"

Eve raised a hand to stop her. "Lucy, I love you and this may be too forward, but I want to be with you. I want to show you what it's like to be loved, show you just how beautiful and cherished you are. You deserve so much, the world. I know your feelings are not where mine are, but please give me a chance. See me as a man."

She blinked at the words. A man? She'd tried that route and had failed, conceding that everyone was right. He was just a boy still. Her lips parted to respond but her words were halted by an unexpected source.

"Sorry bud, but she's already taken."

Well, there's that rusty spiked dildo. Right in my ass. Where's the fucking salt? Her eyes closed as the weight of an already fucked up situation that just got a whole lot more fucked up settled on her. "Laxus…"

"How dare you just walk into her home!" Eve bellowed, the couch shifting as he jumped to his feet.

"How dare me, you creepy little man-child?" Laxus scoffed. "This is my fucking girlfriend's apartment so it looks like the one trespassing here is you."

If Lucy could have facepalmed with a freight train, she would have at that very moment. I'm dead. I'm so fucking dead. She slowly pushed up from the couch and turned to glare at the Dragon Slayer. His storm blue eyes were trained on the young mage behind her, a possessive gleam she'd never seen lighting their depths. The muscle in his jaw clenched repeatedly beneath the surface of his skin and it took her aback. Smug, condescending, amused. She had expected a combination of any of those expressions, but never anger.

"Wh-what? Lu… Lucy. Is… Is that true?"

She could already hear the pain in the Snow mage's voice, her shoulders sagging beneath the gravity of the situation. This was not how it was supposed to be, how it was supposed to go. She'd planned on letting him down gently, the way he deserved. Reluctantly, she turned and her breath caught by the sight that greeted her. Large tears slipped down his cheeks, his jade eyes glassy with the promise of more. Hurt, betrayal, despairing heartbreak. They all swam in the mossy depths. "I… uh… I…" Words utterly failed her because there was nothing she could say to make this better.

He harshly wiped at his face as he glanced around, his attention catching in the direction of her kitchen. "I see," he whispered before he turned back. "I… I'm sorry for the confusion."

Oh god… I didn't take out the trash. She saw the flower stems sticking out of the refuse can. "Eve," she whimpered as she reached for his arm when he moved to pass her. "I… I'm so-"

Eve jerked away from her touch. "Please don't," he scowled. "I… I should have known better. I'm just a kid, after all."

Lucy started to give chase but the door slamming halted her steps, her stomach and heart flinching with the finality of the sound. She felt lower than low. I should've responded sooner. I should've told him upfront. I should've… The sound of a soft chuckle paused her thoughts and she looked up to find the Lightning Dragon Slayer leaning against the wall, looking incredibly pleased with himself. "Laxus," she scowled. This was all his doing. Him and his girlfriend crap.

"What?" Laxus gasped, feigning innocence. "I just solved your problem for you."

Solved it? Giant fucking flaming asshole from hell! "No!" she roared. "You just broke that kid's heart!"

The blond Slayer pushed up off of the wall he was leaning on and made his way to the kitchen. "Yeah, which is exactly what the fuck you were going to do," he called over his shoulder. "I just did it the more humane way. Rip that shit off like a band-aid and be done with it."

"There was nothing humane about what you did!" Disbelief mixed with her anger as she watched the Slayer grab a water from her fridge, just making himself comfortable as though he belonged there. He didn't belong there. At all. He was the very reason she was in this mess to begin with. Unable to stop herself, she stomped towards him and ripped the bottle out of his hand with a growl just as it reached his lips. "Why the hell are you even here?"

"I was passing by and smelled the runt," he shrugged as he snatched the bottle back from her grasp. A hand shot out to rest on her forehead, holding her back as he took a swallow of water. "Figured you might need a hand."

She swatted at his hand, stumbling back with a frustrated growl. "I didn't, thank you very much."

"Yeah, okay."

Lucy went to argue but stopped herself short, knowing it was utterly useless. He was an obstinate pig who seemed to not even realize what he'd done wrong. And she just didn't have the heart to school his ass at the moment. She just wanted to take a shower and crawl under the covers for the next week or so. She just knew that Eve's heartbreak would spread like wildfire. Hibiki would call or come see her. Ichiya would most likely find a way to scare the crap out of her by popping out of a toilet or something stupid. He had when her and Hibiki had ended, a perfectly good clothes hamper was destroyed because of it. Then the guild… God, I don't even want to think about what the hell I'll hear from them. "Could you just go?" she sighed. "I'm not feeling very well."

"Kiss me and I will," Laxus smirked.

Her eyes narrowed as her head snapped up. He walked into her apartment, ripped out a friend's heart (even if she was planning on doing it herself) and he expected her to just kiss his ass. He can go take a flying fucking leap. "No," she groaned as she crossed her arms over her chest.

Laxus took another sip from his water bottle and reclined back to lean on the counter. "Then I guess I'm staying."

Her fingers curled into her fists as she glared daggers across the kitchen. "The hell you are," she growled as she raised a stiff arm, a solitary finger uncurling to point at the door. "Get. Out."

"Make me," he grinned, a predatory gleam flashing in his eyes.

"GRRR! God you're so infuriating!" she screamed as she stomped her foot. She wanted nothing more than to punch him in the face. But touching him was out of the question, she knew just how it affected her. "Please. Just leave."

He finished off the last of his water, taking his time as he screwed the top on the bottle. "I will," he smirked. "I'm only asking for one small kiss."

Lucy stared at him, weighing her options. If punching him was out of the question to avoid touching him, then kissing was a huge fucking no no. She knew better. There was no such thing as a small kiss with him. He'd turn it into more. She glanced back towards the bathroom door. The option to just ignore his ass and go on about her business was on the table. But, she wanted solitude in her apartment. Ignoring him wasn't an option, he wouldn't allow himself to be ignored. "God… Fine."

Timorously, she made her way towards him to close the distance. His eyes watched her a little too keenly, the smile that spread on his wide mouth a little too lecherous. Her mind screamed just how fucking stupid this idea was. Don't get too close, just a kiss on the cheek and toss his ass out. "Just a damn kiss and you're out. Right?" she hesitantly asks as she came to a stop just inside of arms reach. It was as close as she dared.

"Mhm," he hummed a little too happily.

Fucking Lucifer… Leaning up precariously, she lightly brushed her lips against his cheek and quickly pulled back. "There," she breathed. "Now you can leave."

"I don't think so, Baby," he frowned.

His arms shot out, his hands pulling her against him before she knew what was happening. And just as fast, his lips crashed down against hers. Her breath escaped her and her mind was on the verge of spiraling when his tongue trumped the opportunity her gasp-parted lips provided. No… Oh god, ye-NO! Her knees wanted to buckle, a fire blazing to life between her legs. She hated his touch as much as she craved it. Her hands came up to press against his chest as she wrenched herself away from the intoxicating suffocation of his embrace. "I hate you," she spat as her hand came up without thought to connect with his cheek.

"Oh, you wanna play rough?"

The look in his eyes stalled the breath in her throat, a shiver running the length of her spine. Before she could respond, not that she had one, his hand buried roughly in her hair. The world around her spun when he turned her abruptly to bend her over her small dining table. Fight or flight kicked in when her cheek met the cool surface. Her hands pushed at the table top, trying to push herself up to no avail. His steel-like grip kept her pinned as a foot kicked at the inside of hers, spreading her legs. The sensical part of her brain bellowed the fear she should be feeling, but her body betrayed it. Betrayed her. A throaty moan escaped despite herself when fingers pressed against her pantied core.

"You forget, Baby. I can taste your lie as well as I can smell just how turned on you are."

The sibilant voice in her ear gave momentum to the downward spiral she found herself on, adding to the moisture between her thighs. Her fingers wrapped around the edges of the table, a cry slipping from between her lips when her head was yanked to the side. There was no gentleness to be had, no teasing, just lust driven by insanity when teeth scraped against the sensitive flesh of her neck. She did hate him, he was wrong. But more than the hatred, she wanted him and he knew it. Fingers dug into the most delicate parts of her, lips sucked at the pulse in her throat and her body gave into the writhing torture. "You're such a fucking asshole," she growled.

"Damn straight," he rasped as his teeth nipped at the shell of her ear. "But I'm the asshole that sets you on fire."

The fingers in her hair tightened before her head was pulled back, bowing her body against the table as his fingers slipped beneath the small strip of fabric that shielded her. She cried out in pleasure and pain as his rough, calloused touch swept angrily over her weeping core. "Fu-fuck you," she stammered and his initial reply came with only the sound of a dark chuckle. No preparation, no easing her into it. Two fingers speared into her, her body clenching at the sudden intrusion and she knew. He was right. He did set her on fire, and in a way no one else ever had. The weight of him bent over her, the evidence of his arousal pressing into her leg, the sound of him growling against her shoulder as he raked his teeth against her. His inner dark spoke to hers, enticing an animalistic side she didn't realize she had to come out and play.

"Didn't I tell you I love it when you talk dirty?"

His fingers stilled within her, holding her there on the precipice of the unknown before completely withdrawing. Her body forced the whimper of discontent that sounded in the otherwise quiet room at the sudden loss. She tried desperately to push back against him, but that too was in vain as he held her fast in place.

"Fuck, you smell so damn good," he rasped. "Good enough to eat."

His words and the feather-like touch that ghosted over the soaked material between her legs made her core clench. "D-didn't your mother tell you it's not nice to play with your food?"

A deep chuckle vibrated against her, his hot breath tickling her cheek as he pulled her head back. "Darlin', I'm not playing," he said teasingly. "I'm simply marinating the main course."

A squeal of surprise burst out when a tug tightened her panties around her hips, the sound of fabric ripping echoing in the kitchen. A shiver raced up the length of her spine, but she wasn't sure if it was anticipation, trepidation or the cool air hitting her newly exposed slick folds. The grip on her hair disappeared as his hand smoothed down her back, his warmth against her vanishing when he pulled away. Breathlessly, she waited for the sound of a zipper or the touch of his hand but moments passed and her fogged brain registered confusion. "Wh-what are you doing?" she asked as she lifted her head to look back over her shoulder.

"Saying grace," he winked. "And admiring the view."

The way his tongue swept over his lips had her biting at her bottom lip. Those gorgeous, soul stealing eyes of his darkened in lust, a lecherous grin pulling at the corners of his kissable lips. He looked every part the ravenous beast and she was the first meal he'd had in months. Fuck me, he's perfect.

His hands came to rest on her back side, his palms smoothing over her heated skin. Her breath stalled in anticipation as he lowered himself behind her, disappearing from view. She knew what was to come, yet it still did not prepare her for the jolt when his tepid breath feathered over her moist flesh. Softly, his hands slid over her hips and down the length of her legs. It was such a change in pace from his rough treatment just minutes before that her mind struggled to grasp. Her nerve endings were just as confused, overloaded by the soft wisps of air he blew against her and his fingertips lightly crawling up the inside of her thighs.

"God, baby," he groaned so softly that she barely heard him. "You've got no fucking clue how bad I've wanted to taste you."

"Then what are you waiting for?"

A low growl came from behind her as his hands slid up to dig into her ass cheeks, spreading her and lifting until she was on the tips of her toes. She whimpered as his stuttered breath feathered over her skin just before his tongue swept over her hypersensitive core. "Mmm, even better than I imagined."

Torturously slow, his flattened tongue swept over her again and again. Her outer labia, the soft spot where her legs and core connected, the insides of her thighs. His teeth and lips nipped and sucked at her flesh, pulling mewls and moans of pleasure from deep within her until she was panting. More. She wanted more. When she tried to push back into him, his fingers dug painfully into flesh to keep her grounded. She was left with nothing but the ability to writhe and tremble in her exposed position. "La-Laxus… P-please…"

"Please what, baby? Go on, tell me what you want."

His tongue lightly flickered up the length of her slit. "M-more," she panted. "T-touch me or fuck m-me, I d-don't care which."

"I love it when you're demanding."

Without further delay, his tongue pressed against her slit to slide along her most sensitive parts. Like a cat at a milk bowl, he lapped at her over and over again. From the sensitive bundle of nerves to her opening, there was not a place he didn't touch. Every nerve ending in her body began firing off, lighting her inner world up like a Christmas tree. And just when she thought she might go insane, he changed. His lips closed around her throbbing, oversensitive clit, sucking and nipping at her with those sharp teeth of his. The heady combination of gentle and rough only served to push her higher, tightening the coil within her. "F-Fuck yes, Laxus," she moaned. "J-just like that."

His hum of approval had her straining on her tiptoes, trying to press more of herself into his mouth. And still he held her in place. He really is the fucking devil…

As though he could hear her thoughts, his lips released her and his mouth retreated. She could feel the weight of his gaze, could feel herself trembling under it. She knew what he wanted. He was waiting for her to beg for more but she wouldn't allow herself to do it, forcing herself to restrain her desire. Seconds ticked by and she began to waver, her will power starting to lose its grasp. Her lips parted to utter a plea but the only thing that came out was a throaty cry of pleasure as his tongue speared into her.

Over and over again, his tongue plunged into her. First it was slow and steady, shallow as though he planned to tease her. But then his pace increased, that glorious pink appendage curling and twisting inside of her with amazing accuracy. His grip on her relented as his fingers slipped to her thigh, lifting her leg and hooking it over the table's corner to spread her further. His tongue inside of her, a finger pressing against her clit, he seemed to work in tandem. The volume of the moans and cries that left her lips increased which only made him moan against her more. The vibrations shooting her dangerously close to the edge.

"Oh… Oh god… Lax… Laxus!"

"That's it, Lucy," he growled against her. "Cum for me. Cum on my tongue so I can taste all of you."

His demand left her teetering, the filthy way he spoke to her only setting her up for the fall. And she would not have to wait long. His tongue slipped back inside of her, pressing against her already fluttering walls. But his fingers. Her jaw dropped as her entire body tensed as a finger slid inside of her to join his tongue, his palm flattening against her sex. The new sensation was more than she could take. The scream that had caught in her throat unlodged itself, bursting from her lips as the waves of her orgasm crashed against her.

Her fingers tightened on the table as every muscle in her body locked up for what seemed like an eternity before the damn broke earth shattering tremors rocked her. The world around her ceased to exist. The surface beneath her was no longer cold. The air in the room lost the chill it once had, feeling thick and heavy in her lungs despite the sudden weightless sensation. Slowly his finger withdrew and his tongue gently lapped against her to bring her back down from her tumultuous high. "Ho… Holy hell…" she panted dreamily when she felt him withdraw.

"We haven't quite reached hell just yet," Laxus smirked as he pulled her up from the table. "We're still on the elevator."

Lucy giggled breathlessly as her knees threatened to buckle, her legs reduced to sticks of jello. "So like the Fall Out Boys, we're going down?" she chuckled against his lips as he brushed them against hers. She could taste herself mixed with the whiskey, raindrop flavor that was him.

"Fall Out Boys?"

She laughed at the questioning look on his face. "I'll have to introduce you to them at a later date," she grinned before her tongue slid out to lick at the moisture on his chin. She hummed at the taste of herself, her fingers fluttering down the front of his shirt. "But I'm thinking I want a proper introduction to something else for now." She saw him smirk, his lips parting to speak but the only sound that came out was a guttural moan as her hand found the length of his arousal outlined by his slacks.

"You… You've met him before."

Her eyes narrowed as the corners of her mouth turned up with her devious thoughts. "Having it forced down my throat doesn't really count," she teased before sliding herself down the length of his body to kneel on the floor in front of him. Looking up, she was hit with just how much he towered over her. His size was noticeable before but from the floor, he truly was a Greek Adonis. Definitely all man…

Her eyes dropped to his groin, her tongue reflexively snaking out to moisten her suddenly parched lips. She'd seen him naked before, knew just what lay under the fabric. She knew it was no illusion, he truly was just that big and her mouth watered at the prospect of getting to explore. Glancing back up at him, she found him watching her with keen interest. She smoothed her hand up the length of him, smirking when he twitched beneath her touch. Oh this could be fun.

Keeping her eyes trained up at him, she leaned forward and pressed her lips against the fabric where she knew the base was. His nostrils flared and even from where she was, she could hear his teeth grinding. "What's the matter?" she said teasingly before dragging her tongue up the length of him. "Don't like the fair play?"

"You're a fucking cock te - Ho-Holy shit."

She giggled when a heavy hand came to rest on her head when her teeth raked against his fabric restrained erection. Hearing him moan sent a thrill down the length of her spine to settle between her legs. Wanting to hear more, but not quite ready to give into his desire for more, she tilted her head and nipped her way down the length of him. His fingers tightened in her hair and his eyelids drew down in weighted lust. She'd come to thoroughly enjoy that look on him, it always preluded the unleashing of his more animalistic side. The side where he lost control and gave her exactly what she wanted.

Her fingers found the buckle of his belt and deftly unthreaded it before moving on to the button of his pants as she continued to tease him. His fingers in her hair became insistent, but she resisted the urge to hurry herself. Rather than pull at his zipper, her fingers pulled at his shirt to untuck it so that they could find their way under the hem. Her nails raked lightly across his stomach as her lips traveled up the covered length of him, pausing for just a moment to flick her tongue over the metal zipper.

"You look really good down there."

She grinned and moved to press her lips just above the waistband of his black boxer briefs. "I know."

His eyes gave a roll as his stomach trembled under the tutelage of her tongue. "You'd look even b-better with… With s-something in your mouth."

Her fingers dipped beneath the waistband and pulled it down just enough to expose the defined V-shaped lower ab muscles. "Oh, ya think?" she giggled as she nipped at the newly exposed flesh. "Is that what you want? Your cock in my mouth?"

"Fu-fuck!" he growled when her teeth bit down just enough to pinch. "Y-you fucking… God! You know it is."

A dark chuckle bubbled up, her brazen tongue taking her by surprise. "Then tell me, Laxus," she smirked as she slowly pulled at the zipper to slide it down. "I want to hear you say it."

His gaze heated, his breath becoming ragged with his need as her lips blew against the damp spot at the tip of his confined arousal. His hips bucked a little as his teeth scraped against his bottom lip. "Sh-shit, Lucy," he growled. "I-I want… I wanna feel th-that dirty little m-mouth of yours wrapped around my c-cock!"

Fuck me, but when he talks like that… A pleased smile settled on her lips and a hum of approval vibrated her lips against him as she hooked her fingers into his pants and pulled them down to expose his ass. The front caught on his erection and she purposely hesitated to free him, her eyes darting up to lock with his.

"Baby…" he warned.

"Well, since you asked so nicely," she cooed as her fingers freed him from his prison, the full length of him springing free. Her core clenched and her tongue swept over her lips as she fully took the sight of him in. Just like the rest of his body, it was sheer perfection. Long and thick enough that her fingers didn't touch when she grasped him, with just a slight curve up towards his body. Two prominent veins wound up the length, disappearing just before they reached the swollen, velvety flared head. "Beautiful," she whispered as she leaned in to capture the small bead of clear fluid that rested at the tip. He shuddered beneath her touch, the length of him jumping against her tongue.

"More…"

She looked up to find him trembling, his desire threatening to swallow him whole. "More?"

"Y-yes, Baby. Pl-please," he stammered as his fingers tightened in her hair.

His pleading sent a shiver of delight down her spine, spurring her into action. A moan bubbled up despite herself as she sank her mouth down the length of him, resting only when he hit the back of her mouth. The fact that she still had a good inch and a half left to go both terrified and thrilled her with the promise of a challenge, but the throaty moan that set free from his lips set the tingle between her spread knees.

"Fuck me, I love your goddamn mouth."

His reaction spurred her on and unable to hold herself back any longer, she pulled her lips back until just the tip remained. Her tongue swirled over the tip, pulling more delicious groans from deep within his chest. The feeling's completely mutual, you sexy fucking asshole… One hand planted firmly on his hips, her other grasping the base of his arousal, she began a steady pace with her mouth. The weight of him felt heavenly on her tongue, the taste and scent of him turning her on in ways she didn't think possible. Her lips and tongue memorized every single inch of him as she licked and sucked at his length.

His hips bucked against her, her name tumbling from his lips over and over again like reverent devotion or an incantation. Looking up at his face, she found herself in awe of his beauty. His eyes closed, his usual stone set features softened yet contorted in pleasure. And still she wanted more. Pushing herself down as far as she could go, tears filled her eyes as the urge to gag rose up. A gasp came from above, giving her the willpower to swallow it down and relax her jaw. She knew it would be a stretch, he was so much larger than anyone she'd ever been with. But this was her one chance to truly flip his world into chaos the way he'd topsy-turvied hers.

Chancing a quick glance up at him, his eyes widened when realization hit just what she intended and her eyes smiled up at him. Exhaling through her nose, she pushed herself further, feeling her throat expand as he finally slipped inside. Holy… Fuck… Her nose buried in the trimmed patch of blond curls that nestled at the base and her fingers dug into his hips, the ache in her jaw almost to the point of being unbearable. Her lungs burned and her throat spasmed with the need to breath.

"Ho… Fu… God, Lucy," he growled as his fingers tightened in her hair.

Lucy didn't fight him when he pulled her back and gasped to pull much needed oxygen in. She didn't care that a string of saliva still connected her lips to the tip of his arousal. She was just proud that she'd been able to take it all. "What?" she gasped innocently. "Didn't like it?"

He bent to hook his hands under her arms and pulled her up to her feet. "Like?" he scoffed. "That's putting it really fucking mild."

A shriek of laughter belted from her lips when he lifted her up, her arms finding their way around his neck as her legs wound around his waist. Her head dipped, her lips trailing along his prominent jaw line to the fleshy lobe of his ear. "I don't know," she chuckled softly as her tongue danced along the shell's edge. "I think I needed more time to fully convince you."

His fingers dug into the fleshy cheeks of her ass as he precariously carried her towards her bed. "Uh, no."

"But why not?" she softly moaned against his ear, the tip of his arousal brushing against her just lightly enough to tease.

"Because I don't fucking plan on finishing in your mouth today."

They came to a stop and she wanted to pout when he dislodged her legs, her feet coming to rest on the soft, plush duvet on her bed. Pulling away, she stepped back to find him already working at the buttons on his shirt and her fingers grabbed the hem of her own. "Shame, I was really looking forward to tasting you directly from the source," she teased as she pulled her tank top over her head and tossed it to move on to her skirt.

"Maybe next time," he smirked as he let his shirt drop to the floor before kicking off his shoes. "Although, you do realize you give better head than the best trained whores. Right?"

Removing her bra and tossing it over with the rest of her discarded clothing, Lucy grinned when she found him pulling a small foil packet from his pocket before he dropped his pants. Licking her lips, she moved to stand on the edge of the bed and reached out to pull him closer. "I'll take that as a compliment," she winked. "But for now, why don't you stop being a slow ass pussy and fuck me like one?"

His jaw went slack, shock flashing across his face before a truly deviant grin spread. "Challenge accepted, Blondie."

Before she could even register that he moved, a hand wrapped around her ankle and pulled her legs from under her. She hit the bed with a shriek but her laughter was stolen when he was over her in a flash of light, his lips capturing hers. Her hands found the perfectly sculpted chest and explored the contours, her fingers mapping every inch of skin she could touch. Chest, arms, back, his thick corded neck, her mind easily committed them to memory. His tongue stole into her mouth, dancing with hers in tandem and possessing every moan that crawled its way up her throat. Kissing him was quickly becoming one of her favorite pastimes, the desire to have his lips on her an addiction she could see herself developing.

His teeth bit at her lip as he pressed the small foil package into her hand. "Put it on me," he breathed against her mouth.

Licking her lips, she pushed herself up as he moved to kneel between her spread thighs. She used her teeth to rip the package and tossed it carelessly off to the side. His hands clenched around her thighs when her fingers lightly brushed against him, a throaty moan accompanying the slight buck of his hips when she rolled the condom down the length. "All suited up," she grinned.

"Good."

Lucy felt her core tighten with the lecherous grin he gave her and found herself falling back against the bed as he lifted her legs. Her breath caught when he pushed her thighs against her torso and visibly shuddered when she felt the tip of him brush against her opening. She prepared for him to quickly enter her, but it seemed as though he wanted to pay her back for all of the teasing she'd been doing. He pressed the length of his arousal against her slit, the feeling of him slipping between her folds pulling a low, drawn out moan. Even with the protection of a condom, she could feel him throbbing every time he passed over her clit. "What the hell are y-you waiting for?" she gritted between clenched teeth.

He pressed the tip of himself against her opening and teasingly slid just a small bit in before pulling out and sliding the length back along her slit. "Just making sure my little whore's ready," he smirked.

"Fuck… I-I've been rea- Ohhh god!"

She knew he'd purposely done it, thrown her off and she could not give a single shit at that moment. Her toes curled and her center clenched as the full length of him invaded her, stretching her to capacity. Fuck, it feels better than I remem- Her mind sputtered and tried grasping for reality as he pulled out only to slam his full length back into her. It was that delicious mixture of pleasure and pain again as he repeated it a second, third, fifth time before be gripped her hips.

"G-god, you're… you're so fucking tight."

Hooking her arms around her knees, she could only cry out in pleasure as he set a fast and hard pace. Over and over again, he drove into her. Every thrust jarred her body, the length of him reaching places she didn't know existed. The pressure of him slamming into the deepest parts of her teetered on that thin line between hedonism and agony.

"Oooh f-fuck… God," she moaned. "Th-that's it baby, don't…. don't stop!"

His fingers dug into her hips, pulling her up into his thrusts. "Is that what you wanted?"

"Fuck yes!"

His hips slowed, pulling a whimper from her when he pulled almost all of the way out only to slam violently back into her. Her eyes crossed, her vision blurring and a scream clawing its way out of her mouth as he did it again and again before going back to his fast and hard pace. The sounds of his moans and flesh slapping against flesh filled her ears, chorusing with her own cries of pleasure to create an erotic melody. It pulled her down under the waves where intelligible thought and words ceased to exist. And just when she thought she would spontaneously combust, he slowed and pulled her legs down as he settled between them.

"God, baby you feel so damn good," he moaned against her lips before he brought one of her hands up. "But I want to feel you cum around my cock."

Her jaw dropped and she moaned despite herself as he wet her fingers against his tongue and slipped her saliva slicked hand between their bodies to rub at her clit. His lips found hers once more, swallowing her moans as he started moving inside of her again. Long, slow strokes at first, each pressing her hand deeper between them until she could feel his slick length sliding in and out of her and her palm pressed against the aching bundle of nerves. "Oooh g-god, Laxus!"

Her moans seemed to spur him on as he hooked an arm under a leg and lifted it, his pace increasing until he was driving into her just as he had before. The hand in her hair tightened, sending pins and needles from her scalp straight down to settle between her legs. She could feel the coil inside of her starting to tighten down again until it was pulled taut. His breath against her face became as ragged as hers felt. "D-don't stop," she panted as her whole body began to tremble.

"Do it… Fuck, c-cum for me, baby."

His hips snapped against her, pressing the heel of her palm tight against her core and felt the cord break. "O-oh g-god Lax - Ahhh!"

Her eyes rolled back as her body arched painfully beneath him. Every muscle in her body seized for what seemed to be a millennium before giving way to earth shattering tremors. It felt as though her whole body exploded, the force of the blast blinding her and setting a ringing in her ears that only intensified when her name roared from his lips. His hips viciously snapped against her, sending her higher into what had to be record breaking heights.


Now, this chapter stopped before I had intended. I thought 10k+ words was enough. So… this shall be continued in the next chapter hehehe

Major props go to the awesome mywritingmuse for her contribution of "Creepy Little Man-Child" Thank you for the brilliant inspiration, Doll! It worked so perfect because that is EXACTLY what Eve is :D

And I have to give a HUGE amount of thanks to my Triplet, GemNika who assured me this wasn't as boring or dry as it felt. She's the light that always brightens my dark writing moments. I love you!

But, now that LaLu week is officially over… this story will fall into rotating updates with my other stories. I just have to say how ecstatic I am to find so many people as in love with this story as I am. The reviews alone… I will admit, I've squealed with every one I've gotten and thank you. The biggest compliment by far is the number of you who have said I've managed to peg Laxus' voice down. He's totally my bae, so to hear that… *fangirls all over the place* I love you guys!

The next update, hopefully this weekend if I am lucky, will be A Soulful Fugue. Then Sound Pod and then this :D

Until next time, please remember to review, follow and fav!

Big hugs and much love,

Princess Nana