It has been a couple days since Gajeel showed up at Lucy's new home, and so far it was going well. So far Gajeel has been taken an interest in Lucy's training, and has stayed a while to help her train to become stronger. Virgo decided to make an underground room for Gajeel to stay in. It has been a week and a half now since Lucy's left the guild, and she is starting to miss her team. At night she thought of her friends, how were they? Did they still think of her? Have they gone on any missions since she left? As questions swirled in Lucy's head, she fell asleep to the thought of being stronger, and hoping her friends could be proud of her.

The next day was the same as yesterday. She summoned Plue to get her warmed up for the day, and got up to make breakfast for the household. Her hunting dogs like to enter through their own gate, and help themselves to the kitchen whenever they felt like it. So at least if she makes them their food, they won't make a mess through the house. Both Kaito and Venatio were trouble makers, they pulled pranks on Lucy and Gajeel, making them get into awkward situations. Like last night for instance; when Lucy was getting out of the shower, they stole her clothes and made her look for them for a half hour in her towel; and unfortunately while walking down the hallway, they pulled the rug from out under her and made her fall on top of the very shocked Gajeel, making the iron dragon slayer "Black Steal Gajeel" have a nose bleed. Let's just say Gajeel spent the rest of his night in his room.

Both Kaito and Venatio have taken a liking to their master, it helped that she is sexy as hell of course, but what really got to them was that she actually cared about their wellbeing instead of using them as toys. She kept to her word when she said that she treated her spirits as her friends, and for that they were grateful. They were overly protective of their princess, and kept close tabs on her at all times; afraid of what would happen if they lost her. No other Celestial spirit mage has ever thought of them as an actual being with feelings, so it warmed their heart to find someone like her.

With a poof of smoke both Kaito and Venatio passed through their gates just as breakfast was being served, sitting in their seats and looking at the food in amazement, what can they say, they are hunting dogs after all.

"alright boys, dig in while I go get Gajeel and Lily." Said Lucy as she took off her pink flowered apron.

Today Lucy wore a black leather jump suit that zipped down the front, showing some cleavage for fun. The suit had long sleeves, and had a black utility belt that carried her whip and keys. Today Lucy would be starting on a job with Gajeel for some extra cash, so she decided to dress like this for mobility.

*knock knock knock*

"Come on Gajeel! Breakfast is ready! And I have kiwis for you Lily! Hurry up or else Kaito and Ventatio will eat it all." said Lucy as she side stepped from the soon to be broken down door. When ever it came to food, those two wouldn't waste any time with getting it. The door landed on the floor with a loud bang, and Gajeel and Lily were out of there.

Breakfast went by quickly and soon Lucy was done packing and getting ready to leave to clover town. The mission was a simple one, and didn't involve a lot of work, but it did pay a nice sum of money.

The train station was packed with people getting on and off a train, so Lucy stuck behind Gajeel and used him as a human shield through all the people. But once they got through the people, they found why the people were so excited.

"Hey! Blondie!"

There stood Laxus in all his glory. He walked towards them in long strides and said "master sent me to deliver you a message. Here."

The little letter looked even smaller in his hand, as Lucy took the letter she thanked Laxus for coming all this way just to deliver a letter, but both Laxus and Gajeel were arguing about something a little ways away, with Lily looking back and forth trying to catch up to the argument. So Lucy sat down on a nearby bench and read the letter.

Dear Lucy,

How has your travels been? I still expect you to walk through the door with team Natsu. Although, they have not gone on any missions as of late. The reason why I am writing this letter, is because the guild wants to celebrate your birthday with you. I know you are trying to create a new you, and become stronger for your guild mates, but the guild misses you terribly. Even though it has been less than a week we still miss you dearly Lucy. So please come visit us on your Birthday child.

Love your Master,

Lucy looked down at the letter in shock. How can they miss her like this while the past months they have resented her? Ignored her? If anything they should be happy that she is gone, it's not like they paid her any mind while she was there, right?

She stood up and walked towards the still bickering couple of dragon slayers and said "I am going on a mission today, and I won't be back in time for my birthday."

"But clover town is a little ways away from Magnolia." Said Laxus as he faced Lucy "the guild hasn't been the same since you left, at least visit for a bit, you don't have to stay long."

"Fine, I'll come visit for a little while. But I make no promises for how long I will be staying" Lucy said "what are you going to do now Laxus? Are you going to go back to the guild or are you coming along with us?"

Laxus thought about it for a bit, before replying "I might as well come with you, to make sure you actually show up at the guild"

Soon the party of four boarded the train and both boys were subdued with motion sickness in a matter of minutes. They were an hour into the 5 hour trip when Lily finally had enough with the moaning of the two dragon slayers.

"Ok, this is ridiculous. You are both grown men!" said Lily as he covered his ears with his paws. "Lucy do you know anything that could help them?"

Lucy raised her hand to her chin in a thinking position while she thought. She could do what she normally does for Natsu, but she wasn't sure if they would like the idea.

"Well, normally when Natsu and I travel on the train I can help him if he puts his head in my lab or his head on my shoulder so I can play with his hair. He told me it helps him sleep through the ride a lot easier. We could try that if you want." Lucy suggested as she patted her lap.

Both dragon slayers looked to each other, then looked back at Lucy to find her smiling genuinely at them both. Making up their minds, Laxus moved over to the seat beside her and put his head in her lap, and Gajeel took the other side of the seat, placing his head on her shoulder. Soon both boys found that Lucy's natural scent soothed both dragon slayers tummies and found themselves cuddling into her a bit more. A blushing Lucy nervously started to run her fingers through their hair, making sure to not disturb both slayers as they were gently lulled to sleep.

"Well Lucy, I think you just tamed two dragon slayers" said Lily with a grin.

Lucy only answered with a tomato red blush, afraid of waking the two dragon slayers from their slumber.

'I can't believe this! My plan was going so well! No one was paying attention to her and they were paying attention to me and it was freaking perfect! I had Natsu in the palm of my hand, I had my sister and brother back, and I could be happy with my family again! They were my family first! Not hers!'

Lisanna walked towards her home in a huff, hands into fists and stomping as she went. The guild has been abuzz with the news of Lucy's birthday and getting a party ready for her. 'What present should I get her?' 'I wonder when she will come home' 'I miss Lucy!' She was tired of it all! How can this girl be so important to the guild when she has only been here for two years!

'I swear, she will not take away my family from me.' She thought as she entered her home

The train blew the whistle, indicating that their stop has come and it was time to wake up. Unfortunately two out of the four stayed asleep, which forced the blond to wake them up. Although it seemed as if luck was not in her favor because all they did was snuggle closer to the blond, if that were possible. Laxus ended up wrapping his arms around her waist and nuzzling his head into her stomach, while Gajeel on the other hand ended up wrapping his arm around her shoulder with his head in her hair.