A/N: Okay everyone. Back to Bickslow and Lucy.

I still… Don't own Fairy Tail… (At this point, it seems pointless to write it, but just in case…)

Freed shook his head at how quickly his guildmates had been able to throw a party together, and sat and laughed with everyone during a game of Spin the Bottle. Thankfully, it landed on Cana every time.

Lucy held onto Bickslow for a long time after his team left. There were no more passionate kisses, just her holding him as he calmed himself down from earlier. Small tremors still ran through his entire body from time to time, and she would just squeeze him gently, reassuring him that she was still there.

"How do you do it?" he asked. He couldn't let her go. She had made his heart so light that he felt like he was floating when she was with him.

"Do what?"

"Make me feel… I don't know… Everything?"

Lucy smiled and kissed the top of his head. "By loving you, unconditionally."

He snuggled closer to her. This is perfect, he thought. She had really driven home that she wasn't going anywhere, and it was exactly what he had needed. There was still a part deep down that feared she would leave him when she knew more, but he could push it to the side for now. That part of him couldn't intrude into their happiness. Not while she held him so closely. He pressed a kiss to her stomach, and nuzzled closer.

Grrrrrrr…

Bickslow lifted his head, confused. "What was that?"

Lucy blushed and said, "Um… I think that's my stomach saying it's time for breakfast…"

Breakfast! He had completely forgotten that he had been about to make breakfast when his team had showed up. Jumping up and placing a swift kiss on Lucy's lips, Bickslow ran comically into the kitchen, yelling, "Be right back!"

Lucy could only laugh. She was so happy that the dark cloud hanging over Bickslow had finally dissipated. Not all of it, she thought sadly, but enough for now. All in due time. She grabbed one of the books from the table, not having much else to do.

"Do you think he'll mind if I read these?" she asked the totems that had stayed by her side.

"No. Maybe. Not sure." they replied.

Pepe spiraled around in the air and happily said, "If I could shrug, I would."

Papa floated down and set himself on top of the book in her hand. "He might. But he would be a fool."

She looked at the grumpy totem, really appreciating the detail Bickslow had put into the small angry face. "Papa, right?"

"Yes."

"Why is your totem angry? Bickslow said that each of you have a totem that fits your personality…"

"I was an angry person. And Bickslow was not in a good place when he made my totem." He turned and she saw deep burnt gouge marks that looked as if Bickslow had tried to destroy it at one point.

Lucy reached out and ran a finger along the marks, and pain shot into her hand. "OW!" she squealed, pulling her hand away. She looked at her finger, and saw a dark red line running along the pad. "How did that happen?"

"He tried to burn me."

Lucy's breath caught in her throat, and she looked at the other totems, hoping they hadn't also received the same attentions. "And you four?"

"No. Just Papa," the small smiling one, Pepe, said.

"He found them later, when he had started to accept it."

Lucy pulled Papa to her chest, ignoring the dull pain in her finger, and said, "I'm so sorry."

"It's okay, Lucy. That was a long time ago."

She let him float off and picked the book back up. I have to understand his magic. It's the only way for me to help him to the best of my ability.

Bickslow walked into the living room with a tray full of food for the both of them. He paused for a second when he saw Lucy reading a book, but decided it wasn't a big deal. Placing the tray on the table, he said, "Whatcha reading?"

Lucy looked up sheepishly, and replied, "One of the books your team brought…?"

His mouth dropped open. I should have moved them… I have no idea what those books say… She already knew that he had been through some tragedy. That he may have killed someone while learning to control his magic. That if anything happened to her, he would go insane… literally. What more did she need to know?, he thought. "Oh?" Play it cool, Bix. It might not be that bad.

"Is that… alright? I just figured it would help me understand your magic better. Then, I could help more." She blushed, thinking that it sounded silly out loud. He doesn't need you to fix him… Her eyes widened. "Not that I'm trying to say you need help or anything…"

Bickslow just watched Lucy try to explain what was going on inside that head of hers. She had dropped her head in defeat and was handing him the took it and placed it on the table, completely silent while he tried to figure out what to say. He sat down next to her and started. "I…"

She looked up, expecting him to be mad. You practically said he's broken, and you're here to fix him, she argued with herself. But, he's not broken! I don't want—no, I don't need to fix him, just be there for him when he needs someone. There's nothing wrong with him.

"I don't mind. Well, that's not true. I do, but you deserve to know." He shrugged. "It's fine."

He was pulling away from her again. As Bickslow reached to take a piece of bacon off of his plate, Lucy smacked his hand away. He looked at her, shocked.

"Hey! I'm trying to eat here!" He said, grumpily.

Pointing her finger in his face, Lucy whispered, "You won't eat a bite until you tell me what's going on."

He looked away and said, "Nothing."

Lucy bolted forward, trying to get him to look at her, and pain lanced down her leg. "MOTHERFUCKER!" She yelled as she sat back forcefully. She felt a sharp splitting sensation and looked down to see that her bandage had come undone. It seemed as though the scab that had formed had split open, and was slowly leaking blood. Lucy grabbed her leg to try and stop the flow, but only cursed again when the pressure she put on it caused her to see stars.

"Shit, Lucy!" Bickslow turned back to see her in excruciating pain once again. She was biting her lips, attempting to keep her curses and cries to herself, and holding onto her leg. Her knuckles had gone white from the pressure she was putting on her wound, and he could see that it was only causing her more pain. "Relax. It's okay." He pried her hands from her leg and saw that she had split it open. There wasn't much blood, thank Mavis, but it was enough to call for redressing. "Breathe, baby… just breathe."

Tears fell from her eyes as she followed his instructions. Why does this hurt worse than when it was a fresh wound? Breathe in. Breathe out. Her eyes opened slowly and she felt him rubbing his hands up and down her arms. "Thank you…"

"No problem," he smiled warmly at her. "Now, I'll go get some new bandages. We needed to change it anyway. You start eating if you can manage, alright?" He ran a thumb across her cheek and smiled again when she leaned into his touch and nodded.

"Mmkay," she said dreamily. His touch was amazing, so soothing. As he walked out of the room, she leaned over and grabbed a piece of toast from her plate and a napkin to catch the crumbs. She was finishing the second piece when he came back and smiled. "See? Men make toast. It's delicious!"

Feigning offense once more, he said indignantly, "How dare you? I made more than toast!"

She giggled and said, "Yes, I see that. But I didn't want to start eating everything before you even get a bite of food…"

"Well, I would have had a piece of bacon if someone hadn't smacked my hand away…" he pouted.

You're adorable, she thought. "Well, don't keep stuff from me and I won't deny you bacon!"

He stared at her. "Do you have any idea how silly that sounded?"

She started laughing, "Yeah, but I had hoped you wouldn't realize it…"

They laughed as he began removing her bandages, placing them in a neat pile on the floor beside him. She finally saw the extent of her injuries. Her hand flew to her mouth, trying to stifle the sob that threatened to jump out. Her skin was bruised, a mottled purple-blue color with light tinges of yellow on the edge. The gash ran from her slender ankle to her hip, and though the muscles had knit themselves together again, there was still a two or three inch wide scab that ran down her leg. It was hideous. Disgusting. How Bickslow could look at her at all was beyond her.

He looked at her leg and said, "Well, the scab formed. And Porlyusica said that you didn't need the bandage once that happened…"

"Put the bandage on anyway. Please. It's split open… Also, I really don't want to see it…" A tear fell down Lucy's cheek as she looked away from her injury. A scar… Scars from battle were one thing, those were earned fighting for something. This one was just from an accident.

"Lucy?"

"Hmm…"

"What's wrong?" Bickslow stopped before he put the first bandage on. When she didn't respond, he said, "Please talk to me…"

"I will… just… Please… I don't want to see it anymore…" she said, wiping her tears away. It's going to be hideous. A huge scar running down my leg… and for what?

Bickslow looked at her, seeing her tears roll down her face. He looked at her leg and thought, This is nothing in comparison to yesterday… She looked like she had been thrown into a woodchipper then… He frowned as he rubbed a mild antiseptic on the open wound, causing her to flinch. "Sorry… does it sting?"

She only nodded. She couldn't look at him without seeing that hideous mark on her once-perfect leg. She took in a shaky breath, still so… confused, and angry, and hurt, and… everything. There was too much happening at once for her to figure it out. Her heart was racing, but she couldn't tell what was causing it. She bit down on her lips as he put more of the antiseptic on it, fighting with everything in her to stay still. Don't make him worry about you, Lucy. She had to stay strong.

She was in so much pain. He couldn't tell what she was thinking about, only that it was making her cry. I would give anything to never see her cry like this… He wrapped the wound in new gauze and stood up silently, taking the used bandages and depositing them in the garbage. When he came back, his babies had set themselves down on the writing desk, far away from Lucy. They can tell… she doesn't want anyone near her right now… As the thought crossed his mind, he wondered if she would want him around. Deciding that he had to be there for her, just as she was always there for him, he walked over and sat down on the floor next to her. He watched her, hoping she would start talking, but all she did was cry. Placing his hand on hers, he was saddened when she jumped at the contact. Still, he said, "Lucy… Please talk to me… What's wrong?"

She looked at him, and didn't know what to tell him. "It's just…. It's nothing…" She closed her eyes, trying to stop the tears. He doesn't need this on top of everything he's dealing with. Lucy, you can deal with your problems later…

"No."

"What?"

"No!" he shouted, making sure she heard him. "If I don't get to pull away from you, and hide what's eating me up inside, then neither do you."

"Bix, it's fine… rea—"

"Don't bullshit me, Cosplayer!" His eyes widened. He had always called her that. It had been a nickname that he loved, because it made her give him even the smallest bit of attention—even if it was just to tell him that she wasn't a cosplayer. But, now? Now, it was a symbol of how things used to be. She was Lucy to him, or baby, or… his soulmate… But, that nickname had died when he decided to be honest with her.

She stared openly at him. He just… "Bix…?" Why would he… I thought we were past that…

"Shit…" He lowered his head and ran a hand through his hair. "Lucy." He sighed. "I'm an ass… I can just go if you want…"

"Why did you call me that?"

"Hmm? Because I'm an ass… I told you I wouldn't do it, and there it was."

"Are you really so upset with me?" She asked, hiding her face behind her hair. He knows how much it means to me. I love hearing my name and not some joke nickname come out of his mouth…

"I just wanted to know what was wrong. You're crying…" He placed a hand on her cheek and wiped away the fresh tears. "I want to know how I can help…"

"You can't help! That's the problem! No one can…" She had started yelling, her frustration at the situation boiling over, but as she continued, her anger had diminished. She had been defeated, and she knew it. There was nothing that could be done. "No one can help…" she said quietly, "So there's no point in talking about it."

He watched as she looked everywhere but at her leg. When her eyes got too close to seeing it, she would abruptly avert her gaze. "Is this about your leg?"

She bit her lips, refusing to answer. She knew it was childish, but she didn't want to talk about it. Especially not with Bickslow. He's got more on his plate than a bum leg, don't burden him with this…

"Lucy… please. Please, please, please… Just talk to me. Yell at me. Whisper. Shit, I don't care if you rupture my fucking eardrums with how loud you're shouting… Just…" He wiped her tears away again and forced her to look him in the eye. "Please, baby. I want to help…"

"There's nothing you can do… What's done is done… and now it'll always…" Her lip quivered at the thought of what she would be forced to look at for the rest of her life. Unable to find any words to describe what she was feeling and thinking, she lunged at Bickslow and cried into his chest.

He instantly wrapped his arms around her. He could at least do this, until he knew what was causing her so much distress. He ran his fingers through her long golden hair, and waited until she calmed down. Every once in a while, he would press a kiss to her head or whisper sweetly into her ear.

When Lucy had finally stopped crying, she tried to pull away and look at Bickslow. He squeezed her tightly and kept her pressed against his chest. "Bix… I'm sorry…"

"Nothing to be sorry for… You ready to talk?" he whispered to her.

She took in a shaking breath and shrugged. "Do I have to?"

"Yes. If you want to help me with everything that's fucked me up for years, then you have to let me help you too… It goes both ways, baby."

"But, you need my help more… I mean… Mine is so minor in comparison to what you must have gone through…"

"Maybe," he said smiling ruefully, "but if you don't let me do this, then you'll have to deal with it on your own… And what kind of boyfriend would I be if I let you do that?" He placed another kiss on her head and rested his cheek against her.

This time she did pull away. "Boyfriend?" She stared at him, totally shocked. They had never discussed what their relationship status was. Everything had been so confusing the day before, and then the dream she had, plus what happened this morning. And they already knew they loved each other. And then there's the soulmate thing. She didn't have any issue with what he had said, it just took her by surprise.

"Y-yeah… you see… I…" He started stuttering, then dropped his head. "It's too soon. I've never done this before… I don't know how it works." He looked up at her, feeling like an idiot.

"Well," she started, a smile playing across her lips, "Usually a girl likes to be asked…"

"Damnit. I'm definitely an id—"

"Uh-uh! I said usually. I think we can make an exception in this case," she just kept smiling at him.

Why is she smiling? "Why is that?"

Rolling her eyes, Lucy said, "Becauuuse, you silly thing, you're my soulmate. I think calling you my boyfriend would be alright under the circumstances. You know, considering I love you and all that other mushy stuff." She couldn't help the giggle that fell from her lips as he realized she was making fun of him.

"Are you making fun of me?!" He wailed dramatically. When Lucy only nodded with victory gleaming in her eyes, he grabbed her and started tickling her. "REVENGE!" he shouted as she flailed around.

She wasn't feeling any pain in her leg again, and was thankful for it when Bickslow started to tickle her. He had pinned her hands with one of his own and laughed as she struggled to get away. "BICKSLOW! STOP!" She laughed and laughed. She caught his eyes for a split-second and saw nothing but pure joy in them. That's the look I love to see. Finally, she shouted, "Bixy! I'm gonna pee!"

He immediately stopped, watching as she caught her breath.

"Man, I should have said that sooner," she said, chuckling at how quickly he had let her go.

Bickslow let her settle herself back in place, then asked one last time. He was willing to stop for the time being if she refused him again. "Please, don't hide this from me. What had you so upset?"

She looked right into his eyes, and saw the determination in them. He wanted so badly to help her, even though she knew there was nothing that could be done. He couldn't stop her body from making a scar and he couldn't turn back time so she had never been struck by lightning. Just talk to him… you might feel better, she thought. After minute, she realized how unfair it would be of her to make him tell her everything if she couldn't do the same. That's what he was trying to tell you… Idiot. She smiled and nodded. "Okay. I was freaking out over my leg."

"I knew that already… why?"

"Because… it's hideous. The scar I'll have… it's… sickening to me."

Confused, he asked, "How?"

"Because it is! I don't know… I saw it for the first time when I split it open, and… How can you even bear to look at me?!" Her happiness from their light-hearted play had disappeared.

He was shocked. "How could I not look at you? You're beautiful." Bickslow pulled her close to him and ran his thumb across her cheek.

"And when I'm all healed, and walking around with a scar running down my leg, will you still think that?" she asked bitterly.

"Lucy. You didn't see it yesterday… It was so much worse than this. That image will never leave me, and I still think you're beautiful. You were beautiful years ago. When you woke up in my arms yesterday. When we were joking around. When you kissed me." He chuckled. "That isn't going to change because of some scar on your leg."

"You don't know that…"

He shook his head, "I do. In fact… every time I see that scar on your leg, I'll only be able to smile."

Her eyes shot to his, "Why?!"

He kissed her gently and said, "Because if it wasn't for that scar on your leg, I never would have gotten the chance to love you…"

Her heart skipped a beat at his words. He's right… none of this would have happened if I hadn't gotten hurt. Her bitter mood immediately turned around and she smiled brightly. "I guess you're right!" She giggled. "I'm an idiot, you know that?"

Chuckling at her sudden mood change, he said, "Yeah? How do you figure?"

She smacked her forehead playfully, "If I had just listened to you sooner, I wouldn't have been so upset!" She looked down at her bandaged leg and smiled softly. "I think this scar is the best thing that ever happened to me…"

He smiled at her and pulled her into a short kiss. "Well, I think it's time we eat breakfast. It's starting to get cold," he said with a small laugh. Bickslow gave her a soft smile, and rubbed slow circles on her back as they ate. He felt much better now that she had gotten that burden off of her chest, and he could tell that she felt the same way.

"Oh WOW! Mmmmm!" she said, moaning as she took bite after bite. "It's so good!"

He nearly choked on his bacon. "You alright over there?"

Taking another bite of the omelet he had made for her, her eyes rolled back and she moaned again. "Bickslow… mmm…"

He dropped his fork as he stared at her, his mouth hanging open. He had only heard her make noises like that once… And it wasn't over breakfast foods.

As she heard the clang of his fork hitting his plate, Lucy looked over at Bickslow to see him staring at her. He had a slightly glazed look to his eyes. Placing a napkin over her mouth, she laughed and said, "Can I help you?"

He shook his head. "Yeah… Is there something you want to tell me? You're making some… uh… strange noises."

Thinking back to what she had said Lucy flushed with embarrassment. "Oh Mavis," She put her face in her hands. "I… Oh man…"

Bickslow chuckled as he saw the light flick on over her head. Yeah… Some strange noises indeed… especially since we're not in the bedroom.

"I was trying to tell you that you're an amazing cook, but then it was just so good that I needed more in my mou—" she squeaked, throwing her hands over her mouth at the very end. LUCY! Think before you open that mouth of yours!, she berated herself again.

"Well," Bickslow stuck his tongue out and smiled at her, "I can help you with that…" He leaned forward and brushed his arm against her breasts as he grabbed her plate, setting it with his on the table. Just in case, he thought as he pushed the table away from the couch. He smirked as she closed her eyes at the brief contact, and when she kept them closed his smirk turned into a dangerous grin. He pounced on her then. Pinning her hands above her head as he nestled between her legs. He sucked on her neck roughly, and he let his body take over. Her moans rose from a mere whimper to outright pleas for more from him. He bit down on her collar bone and rubbed himself against her.

"OH… shit…." She cried as he rolled against her again and again. The friction between them was torturing her. Before she could say anything though, his hand shot between them and he rubbed her tiny bud through her clothes. Her head flew back at the new sensation, and he moaned against her neck.

"Babyyyy…" he groaned, pushing himself firmly against her once more and licking the marks he had left on her neck. She whimpered, apparently incapable of vocalizing anything, and he smirked again. "Tell me what you want, baby…"

"Oh… Bix…"

Bickslow raised his hand to her mouth and said, "Suck, baby."

Her eyes shot open as she recalled the dream she had had about him. Her mouth instantly popped open and she rolled her tongue around his fingers. She tried her best to emulate what she had done in her dream, and he pulled them from her quickly with fire in his eyes. Between one breath and the next, he had moved her shorts and panties to the side and slammed the moistened fingers into her waiting heat.

The pace he set was relentless as he drove his fingers deep within her, twisting and curling them as he went. He poured all of his passion into it, and moved even faster as she neared her climax. She writhed under him, her hands having tangled in his hair to pull him to her lips for a searing kiss. She moaned, called his name and moved her hips against his hand. He could hardly contain himself as she clenched around his drenched fingers. Just as she was about to have her release, he slowed, keeping his fingers as far in as they would go and making slow circles to torture her.

"Wh-Why…?" Lucy rolled her hips trying to get him to continue.

Bickslow stared deeply into her eyes, searching for something. He wasn't sure what it was, and he could only see confusion in them. He pressed himself more firmly on top of her, making sure she couldn't move. "Promise me…"

She struggled against the prison he had created. She was wound so tightly right then that she felt as if she would collapse in on herself if he didn't help her. "Please… Baby… Oh, please…"

"Promise. Me."

"Promise… what?" she panted. Why is he doing this?

"You won't keep secrets from me… Please promise me…"

His eyes told her all she needed to know. Though Bickslow had led his life based on certain things being kept from everyone, he couldn't handle her not telling him something. I feel the same way… Except, he had told her things. He had fought, sure, but he had also made the effort when he realized how much she cared for him. "I'm sorry…"

"What?" He was confused. Why is she apologizing?, he thought. It's because she won't promise anything, the darker side of him chimed in.

"I should have… ngh… never… kept anything… from you…" She tried to move again. She could feel his fingers barely moving inside of her, and she just needed a little more to finally rise over the crest of her orgasm. "Please… Bickslow… Please…"

His fingers pushed a little deeper, itching to piston in and out of the woman underneath him.

At the small movement, Lucy's body shook with the force of her impending climax. Instead of diminishing as time passed, it only grew more urgent, more persistent in being released. Her nipples hardened as she felt them brush against her shirt, her breath heaving in and out of her. Her vision went hazy and she tried to focus on the man above her. "Please… Just…" She whimpered.

"Promise me… Please, baby… I have to know…" He was begging her. He needed to know that she trusted him as much as he trusted her. She had learned things about him that no one else had ever taken the time to find out. He had broken down countless times—because of her, in front of her. He tried so hard to keep his walls up, and she broke them down with ease. He had to know that she would let him do the same. She had relented earlier, and finally told him what was bothering her, but he had to know that she wouldn't keep things from him. He needed it so badly, it hurt.

Lucy cried out, her voice breaking. She was nearly in tears as her body continued to shake. "I promise. Please… Bickslow please… help me…"

He smiled and quickly pulled his fingers out of her. She cried out at the sudden movement, and then whimpered at the empty feeling inside of her. She closed her eyes, trying to calm her body down. She was quivering, her body ready to let the cord that had wound so tightly in her stomach spring free, and suddenly everything was gone.

Looking down at the beauty beneath him, he saw how desperate she was, needing the orgasm that he had denied her. She shook with the force of it, unable to say anything. He smiled when her eyes closed. Oh, baby… You shouldn't close your eyes… You never know what might happen. With that thought, he moved away from her, pulling her restricting clothes down her slender legs. He dove face-first between them and groaned as the scent of her arousal filled his nostrils once more. He tentatively smoothed his tongue up her slit, widening it so that it covered every bit of her. He could have died a happy man at the sound she made. His control finally snapped and he plunged his tongue inside of her.

Her eyes shot open when Bickslow's tongue entered her dripping core. She started moving against him, and whimpered when he pinned her hips to the couch.

"Mm-mmm," he said from between her perfect legs, "No moving, baby." She tastes so fucking good…

"Bickslow! Oh… Yes!" Lucy shouted, feeling the cord inside of her wind tighter than she thought possible. Her muscles tensed, and she felt as if she would explode.

In and out. His tongue swirled inside of her, then pulled away and slammed back in. Her hands had fallen to his head and she gripped his hair tightly, pulling him closer to her. A growl slid up his throat as her grip on his hair tightened again, the slight twinge of pain causing his member to harden even more. "Lucy…" he said right against her. She moaned at the vibrations he caused. "Tell me what you want, baby."

Before Lucy could answer, his tongue slammed into her again, stretching until it hit her innocence. He flicked his tongue against it, just barely brushing across the membrane and she screamed. She was so close, and this was torture. "You… All of you… Oh god…"

All of me? She… He couldn't stop moving his tongue inside of her. She needed it. He pulled out just enough to speak and breathed against her, "What do you need?"

"You… Bickslow… please…"

A long lick down her slit again. "What do you mean by that?" He refused to believe that she was talking about what was running through his mind. His tongue rolled across her sensitive bud in waves, and he stretched it once more so that he could pleasure her small bundle and her entrance together.

Her mind was foggy. She needed him. He had asked her, and she answered. Why won't he give me what I need?, she mentally cried out. "Please… Please…" she kept saying it over and over again. Her body was starting to heat up, and felt like she would melt if she got any hotter. Her breathing was coming in shorter and shorter pants.

Bickslow felt Lucy's body heat up quickly. Way too quickly. He sat up and looked at her, trying to find out what was happening. He ran his hands down her arms, saying, "Lucy… are you alright? Lucy?!"

I need him… Need Bickslow… It kept repeating in her head, and she could hardly see where he was anymore. Her vision had completely clouded over, like a grey mist had moved in between her and Bickslow. She felt him stop again and pull away, and she whined loudly at the loss. Need Bickslow… His glowing eyes burst through the fog, and she heard him frantically screaming her name. Then her body moved.

He had never seen her move so quickly, had never seen anyone move as quickly as she did. Her eyes had started glowing a strange golden color, and he had leaned over her still unsure of what was happening. He had screamed her name again and again, trying to get her to respond to him, but all she had done was repeat, "Please… Please…". Finally, recognition in her eyes had made him relax as he saw her focus on him. Then, she had tackled him to the floor, pulling his pants down in the process. He gasped as she kissed him roughly, guttural and primal moans coming from the small woman. She grasped him firmly in her hand and started to pump slowly.

"I need you, Bickslow," she rasped. Her mind was still a fog, but she could see his eyes. They were like a beacon to her, calling for her and making her feel safe and loved. She rubbed him and watched as he swallowed hard. When the first groan spilled from his lips, she smiled. Need more... More… she thought. Her mind had focused on a single thing. What he could give her.

His eyes widened as he saw hers glowing brighter. There was love and determination in them, though they seemed a little unfocused. He stared into them, and wasn't afraid of what was happening with Lucy. Her eyes were making him feel like he was where he belonged. "Lucy… What are yo—"

She guided his proud member to her virgin entrance. "Bickslow…" she moaned his name softly, as if it was a prayer.

"Wait… Lucy you don't have to d—"

She slammed herself down onto him, breaking through the thin membrane that had protected her virtue. The pain shot through her and she cried out, but she didn't let it stop her as she raised herself up and then shot back down.

"Fuck!" Bickslow's head shot back as she rode him. It was absolute torture. Her tight walls clenched him even more as she neared her climax. He grabbed her by the waist and guided her onto him as her pace faltered. She's close… She tightened around him again, and he saw stars. It was like heaven.

Close… so close… She was losing her stamina, and fought to continue grinding on top of Bickslow. She leaned forward and kissed him again, needing more contact with her soulmate. Feeling her shirt rubbing against her, and blocking her skin from his, she tore it from her body and moaned long and low as her breasts touched his chest.

"Oh… Lucy…" He had no idea what had come over her so suddenly, but his body wouldn't let him do anything about it. Apparently, every part of his being had decided this was where he needed to be. He heard Lucy whimper, felt her walls flutter again and again, and he pulled her close and kissed her. Bickslow rolled them over, withdrawing from her momentarily, then slammed himself into her warmth harder than she had been able to manage. "I love you, Lucy."

"I love you…" she looked up into his beautiful glowing eyes as they had rolled over, and felt her heart swell with emotion. His hair had fallen in his face as he leaned down taking a nipple into his mouth. That glorious tongue of his swirled around and around and she cried out. He was buried so deeply inside of her she thought she would split in two. "Oh Bix… Right th—OH!" Her eyes had screwed themselves shut, and her body tensed finally ready to give her the release she needed.

"Look at me, Lucy. Let me see you…"

Her eyes shot open, and with an earsplitting scream the cord in her snapped. White light filled her vision, and she clawed to be closer to Bickslow, needing to feel him against her. He still pounded into her as she rode the waves crashing through her.

It had been the most breathtaking sight he had ever witnessed. Lucy came apart beneath him, screaming his name to the heavens, and a single tear had fallen from her eye. Through it all, he had seen the smile behind her eyes. As she reached the peak they had flashed a brilliant gold, glowing brighter than ever. She pulled him flush against her, and he picked up speed as he neared his own end. His thrusts faltered once, twice. Then his body tightened and snapped. He groaned and shuddered as he filled her, collapsing onto his elbows. His body shook with the force of his orgasm, and her core only pulled more from him. It gripped him tightly and milked every last drop, pushing his seed further into her.

Lucy rubbed her hands along Bickslow's shoulders as he came back to himself. She smiled as she thought of sharing such a special moment with this wonderful man. Moving her hands to his face, she traced his tattoo and smiled wider when he hummed his approval. He leaned down and pressed a kiss to her soft lips, then pulled back and looked deeply into her eyes.

"Your eyes…" he said, smiling softly. They're just like mine, he thought happily.

Lucy frowned slightly when she saw his face covered in a strange golden light.

Bickslow chuckled. "They're glowing, Lucy." He leaned in and kissed her again, taking his time to savor the taste of her sweet lips.

"Th-they are?" she asked when the kiss ended.

His smile grew, making him look so much younger. "Mm-hmm. Just like mine… But, they're gold."

Lucy wrapped her arms around his neck and sighed happily. She thought, I could get used to this… it's perfect. "Bickslow…?"

He placed his cheek against hers, still trying to get his body to fully cooperate with him. "Yeah, baby?"

"I can't feel my legs again…" she giggled, putting a hand over her mouth.

He kissed her shoulder and smiled, "Then I've done my job…"

"Mm-hmm!" She nodded enthusiastically.

As his body relaxed, he withdrew himself from her, wishing he never had to leave her comforting warmth. "Sorry…" he said as he felt her flinch.

She was sore, but that was to be expected. She hadn't wanted him to leave, but she wasn't going to fight it. Running her hands through his hair and massaging his scalp, she said, "It's okay, baby."

"… Yeah?" he asked, unsure of what had happened. He had never thought that he would be given such an amazing gift. Lucy had chosen him to make love to her for the first time. He had no idea what to do or say. He had planned on waiting until she was absolutely ready, but she had changed the rules on him. He wouldn't change a minute of their time together, but he was worried that she would have second thoughts.

"Mmm…" she hummed, unaware of the anxiety Bickslow was feeling. "Absolutely."

"So, you don't…" he cringed, "Regret… anything?"

Lucy sat up, causing Bickslow to move back. "Why would I?"

He lowered his eyes, shame crossing his features. He mumbled, just loud enough for her to hear, "Because it was with… a freak… like me…"

Lucy pounced on him, pushing him to the ground again. Unlike the last time they were in this position, her eyes were glowing with rage. Bickslow's eyes widened as he watched her hover over him, barely contained fury behind her eyes. "Don't ever…" she said quietly, "Ever call yourself that. Do you hear me?!" She yelled at the end, rattling the windows.

He nodded, unable to form any words. I've never seen her like this, he thought as her magic poured from her.

"Say it."

"I-I understand… I won't…" He was actually shaking. The small blonde had him pinned and he was scared of how much anger she was holding in. He knew that she wouldn't hurt him, but it was how quickly her anger had surfaced, how intense it was. It's what I am, Lucy… can't you see that?

The anger in her instantly dissipated, and was replaced by sadness. Lucy looked down at Bickslow's rigid face and ran a hand along his jaw. He relaxed, but only a little. "Why then…"

"Why what?" He sighed as he realized she was back to normal. Shit, I really won't ever say that again… Not if it makes her that way…

"Why would you say that about yourself?"

"Because…" He looked away, ashamed of the truth, but not willing to lie to her.

"You can tell me, baby. I'm not going anywhere." She smiled gently, the sadness she felt still nestled inside of her.

"Because it's what I've always been called… I guess it just stuck." He looked up as Lucy gasped, tears welling in her eyes. "No, don't cry… oh, please don't cry. It's just who I am, I guess! I'm sorry…" he said sitting up to hold her, running his hands along her bare back.

"But… you're not a freak… Who would ever say that to you?!"

"…" He couldn't… He couldn't tell her. Please, don't make me say it, he thought.

Noticing his silence, Lucy grabbed his face in her hands and forced him to look at her. "Bickslow, you can tell me anything. No secrets, remember? I promised you I wouldn't keep anything from you. Will you promise me the same thing?"

He looked back at her. He was scared. So scared of what she would say when he told her. There was no denying that he would tell her. He couldn't keep something from her if he tried. "I promise… but…"

Frowning slightly, "But what?"

"I'm scared." He heaved a sigh as he admitted to his weakness.

She smiled at him softly, trying to ease his worry. "There's nothing to be scared of, baby. I'm all yours, and I'm not going anywhere."

After taking a shuddering breath, he said, "Everyone." He closed his eyes, willing the pain in his chest to go away.

"Who?"

"Random people on the streets, clients on missions, little kids… Even the people who don't say it. They give me the same look as the ones with the balls to say it to my face."

"But no one close to you—"

"Even someone close to me." He bit his lip, wishing he didn't have to tell her.

"Who, baby? Tell me…" she whispered, hoping there was some way to repair all the damage he had suffered for years.

"… My mom…"

Lucy gasped, throwing a hand over her mouth in utter horror. Every memory she had of her own mother was filled with love. Even the memories of her dad before her mom died were happy. Her dad was distant, everyone knew the story. And she had missed her reconciliation with him because she was stuck on Tenrou. In the end, she knew he loved her. "Wh-why?!"

"I don't think I can talk about it…" Bickslow placed his head on her shoulder, his body wracked with the sobs he held in.

Papa lowered himself to the look at Bickslow. "Tell her, boy. Or I will."

Lucy jumped, not even thinking about the fact that his babies were in the same room. Bickslow's other babies saw her uneasiness and floated over to the couch, somehow managing to remove the throw blanket. They slowly draped it over Lucy's shoulders, and she smiled at them. "Thank you, babies."

Bickslow hugged Lucy tighter. She called them 'babies', he thought happily. "Babies?" he asked her carefully.

Lucy giggled lightly and said, "Well, why not?"

He only shrugged, his mind instantly reverting to what Papa had said.

"Tell her. Tell Lucy. She needs to know. Tell her, Bickslow," the babies said softly, trying to give their friend the courage he needed.

"You'll feel better if you tell me… I promise. I won't judge you. But, I have to know. I can't help you if I don't know what happened," Lucy said softly into his ear. She stroked his hair, doing everything in her power to calm his fears.

Bickslow sighed and nodded. "Okay…" He looked over to Papa and said what he had longed to say for years. "I'm sorry for everything, Dad."

Holy plot-twist, Batman! So, smut and more of Bickslow's past! And Lucy's eyes glow now? I feel like there might need to be some research done… Thoughts? What are your predictions for the next chapter?

Side Note: I have 2 Mid-Terms this week, and an essay rough draft. Plus a meeting for the Honors Society. If the chapters are a little sporadic, that's why. I'll try to make sure I update with Chapter 11 tomorrow night, and NOT have a cliffhanger, so you're not dying for an extra day or so while I work on things. :D

Also, IT'S A MIRACLE! I've posted a new chapter before 4 AM! YAY!