A/N Surprise! I'm posting Monday's chapter early. Enjoy!
The train car swayed from side to side. Lucy yawned.
She took off her Gale-Force Reading Glasses and returned them to her bag. She rubbed her eyes with the back of her hand. Her eye twitched.
She closed the large leather book that rest in her lap. She tapped the cover with her fingertip. She sighed.
She had finished reading the books Virgo had packed in her bag. Still, she found nothing on Laxus' condition.
She looked up across the booth at the Lightning Dragon Slayer, whose head was leaned back and eyes were closed. His chest rose and fell with even breaths. Soft beats of music emitted from the Sound Pod placed over his ears. His face was relaxed and calm.
What's wrong with him? She wondered.
A chime echoed. "Now arriving at Clover Town Station. This is the end of the line," a smooth voice announced.
Lucy packed the leather book back into her bag. She slid her arms through the straps of her bag and grunted, lifting the heavy bag onto her back. The bag was almost too heavy for her to carry.
She stood, with some effort, and turned to face the still sleeping Dragon Slayer. Her hands on her pack's straps, she nudged Laxus' leg with her foot. She swayed to maintain her balance.
"Hey, wake up," she said. She nudged him again.
The train stopped and Lucy staggered under the weight of her pack. Laxus' eyes opened.
Lucy exhaled. "We're here," Lucy said. She gripped the straps of her backpack, her face grimacing.
Laxus rolled his eyes as he stood. He grabbed the top of Lucy's pack and lifted her and her pack off the ground. She kicked her legs, struggling.
"Hey, put me down!" she shrieked.
"The hell did you pack?" Laxus asked, lifting Lucy higher in the air so that her face was level with his. He smirked. "This shit is heavier than you are."
"Put me down!" she demanded, her anger rising.
He chuckled but complied, lowering Lucy to the ground. He maintained his hold on her pack, though, and he slid the straps off Lucy's shoulders.
"Hey, I need that!" Lucy said, stomping her foot.
Laxus swung Lucy's pack over his shoulder. He picked up his own bag and swung it over his opposite shoulder. He placed his hand on top of Lucy's head and ruffled her hair.
"Let's go," he said, ducking his head and exiting their booth.
Lucy frowned. "I can carry my own bag," she grumbled and followed Laxus off the train.
…
The sun hovered over the high mountain range that surrounded the valley Clover Town was nestled in. It was late afternoon, the sky orange and humid. Sweat beaded on Lucy's forehead. The thick air made breathing difficult and Lucy panted as she followed Laxus. Her pride aside, she was thankful Laxus was carrying her over packed bag.
"You sure you'll be able to keep up?" Laxus drawled.
Lucy stood up straighter. She jogged over to Laxus' side. She lifted her chin. "Of course," she replied.
Laxus smirked down at Lucy. "It's not too late to turn around."
"No, I'm coming," she said firmly.
They headed towards the outskirts of town, to the base of the mountain range. There, they approached a large ranch, with red barns and white picket fencing. Dozens of multi colored horses grazed lazily in the fenced fields. Lucy's face lit up with a smile.
"Welcome to Shamrock Ranch," a farmhand greeted them as they entered the ranch. The young man dusted his hands off on his coveralls. He smiled at Lucy. "How can I help you?" he asked.
Laxus narrowed his eyes. "We need two horses and a mule for our packs," Laxus ordered, his voice deep and gruff.
The farmhand flinched under Laxus' stare. The young man nervously scratched the back of his head. "You headed through the mountains?" the farmhand asked. His eyes flashed over to Lucy. "Dangerous this time of year, especially for a beautiful lass such as yourself."
Lucy blushed.
Laxus glared at the farmhand. "The horses, you renting them or not?" he said, gritting his teeth.
"Y- yes we have horses available," the farmhand said, the young man eyes avoiding Laxus' heated stare. "How long were you hoping to rent them for?"
"About a week," Laxus said.
The farmhand raised his brow. "You heading into Bosco? There's an extra insurance fee."
Lucy's eyes widened. "You're going back to Bosco?" Lucy asked, her words rushed.
Laxus smirked at the short blonde. "Last chance to change your mind about coming with," Laxus said.
Lucy crossed her arms over her chest. She pouted her lip. "N- no. I'm coming with you," she stuttered.
The farmhand looked confused.
"Headed into Bosco. Two horses, one mule," Laxus drawled at the farmhand. "There a problem?"
The farmhand shook his head. "No problem! Right this way."
…
Lucy sat upon a brown saddled horse. She held the reins tight, her knuckles whitening. The horse fussed, tossing its head. It kicked up its feet.
The farmhand held onto the horse's bridle. The young man shushed the horse, patting the side of the horse's face, attempting to calm it.
"You said you rode before?" the farmhand asked Lucy.
"Yes, I had formal horse riding lessons as a child," Lucy said. She clenched her thighs around the saddle. The horse bucked.
"Something has her spooked," the farmhand said. One hand holding onto the horse's bridle, he offered Lucy his other hand. "Let's get you down and find you another horse."
Laxus growled beside them. "You hold onto the horse, I'll get Blondie," Laxus snapped.
The horse neighed, shaking its head. Lucy gripped the reins, afraid to let go. The horse bucked and Lucy squealed.
Laxus' hands went around Lucy's waist, his hold firm. He lifted Lucy up without warning and Lucy screamed, her grip on the reins tightening.
"Let go of the reins," Laxus said frowning.
"I'm scared," Lucy admitted, her heart hammering in her chest.
Laxus rolled his eyes, exasperated. "I got you," he said.
Lucy let go and Laxus lifted her towards him. She franticly wrapped her arms around his neck as he lowered her to the ground. He frowned and pried her arms off his neck. Lucy's pulse pounded in her ears and she struggled to catch her breath. She closed her eyes, resting her forehead on Laxus' chest. Laxus' muscles flexed.
Laxus sighed.
"Sh- shall we try another horse?" the farmhand asked, nervously.
Laxus placed a hand on Lucy's shoulder. "Forget the second horse," he said. "She'll ride with me."
…
Lucy's hips swayed side to side as the horse hiked up the mountain pass. She held onto the horse's saddle and she focused on the trail head. She tried to ignore Laxus' warmth behind her and his thighs that straddled her. His arms were around her as he loosely held the reins in her lap. Her heart raced as they rode and she cursed her thundering heart.
The sun began to set over the mountain range, the sky turning a brilliant pink. The clouds above shifted and a cool breeze picked up from the North. Shivering slightly, Lucy unconsciously relaxed back into Laxus' warmth.
"How long are you suspended from the Guild?" Lucy asked breaking a long streak of silence.
The wind howled through the mountains. Lucy shivered as the breeze passed her, her body prickling with goosebumps. She cursed her skimpy outfit. She fumbled with the hem of mini skirt, attempting to hold it down. She clenched her thighs.
Laxus adjusted his position in the saddle. He scooted Lucy closer and her back molded against his broad chest. She was close enough to feel his heartbeat. His warmth, along with the steady rhythm of his heart, made Lucy's eyes feel heavy. She sighed.
"Don't know," Laxus said, finally answering Lucy's question. "Jiji didn't say."
"Why were you suspended?" she asked softy.
She felt Laxus shrug behind her. "Old man probably felt obligated to," he said. "With the Magic Council up my ass and shit."
Lucy frowned. "And here you are, returning to Bosco," she said.
Laxus chuckled, his chest vibrating. Lucy felt the vibration throughout her core.
"Seriously, are you even welcomed in Bosco?" Lucy asked, worried.
"What can I say? I'm not one for following orders."
"Laxus," Lucy warned. She bit her lower lip.
"By the way," Laxus drawled, changing the subject. "Do you know where we are, Blondie?"
"No," Lucy answered.
"Hell's Passage," he whispered in her ear and her body tensed.
The sun dipped behind the mountain range, bathing the two in twilight. The woods thickened around them. The trees rustled in the wind and a wolf howled in the distance. The mule, carrying their packs, trailing behind them, snorted. Lucy shuddered.
"I- isn't Hell's Passage notorious for bandit attacks?" Lucy asked, frantically scanning their surroundings.
"Oh it's not bandits you should be scared of," Laxus teased. "It's slave traders." He brushed her arm with his fingers. "Bet your ass would sell for a high price."
Lucy elbowed Laxus and he chuckled. "Don't even think about it," she said.
"Nah, they'd probably pay me to take you back."
The horse they rode snorted and shook its head. Darkness fell over the woods as the last of sun's rays disappeared behind the mountain. The wind grew colder and Lucy could see her breath as she breathed.
"Guess we'll have to call it a night," Laxus said. "Too dark to continue."
Lucy tensed. "We are not sleeping here!" she shrieked.
Laxus pulled up on the reins, bringing their horse to a stop.
An owl hooted above them. Lucy's heart pounded in her chest.
Laxus' warmth left Lucy's back as he dismounted the horse. He landed on the ground with thud. The horse neighed and Laxus patted the horse's neck.
"There, there," he said to the horse.
Lucy's heart beat faster. "Laxus, we're not sleeping out here," she said again.
He led the horse off the trail and tied the reins to a tree.
"Laxus, please," she pleaded.
He grinned, his teeth glowing in the darkness.
"Wait here," he said, patting the horse. He turned around and walked into the woods.
"W- wait a minute," Lucy stuttered. "Where are you going?"
"Taking a piss," he said as he walked further away.
Lucy started breathing faster, panic welling up inside her. "Don't leave me alone here!" she called after him.
Laxus stopped and Lucy could just make out his silhouette in the darkness.
"Then come here," he said turning around. "You can help me hold it."
Lucy frowned. "Hold wha- ah! You pervert!"
Laxus chuckled, his silhouette disappearing into the woods.
"This is called Hell's Passage for a reason!" Lucy yelled after him. Her pulse was deafening.
"Relax, Blondie," Laxus' voice echoed through the woods. "If something happens, I'll hear you scream. Probably."
Lucy gripped the skirt of the leather saddle. She shivered, her skin prickling. An owl hooted and Lucy flinched at the sound.
Stupid Laxus, Lucy thought.
The air grew colder. She shivered more violently, her back cramping. She cupped her hands around her face. She breathed into her hands but her breath did little to warm her up.
A flake of snow hit Lucy's nose and she tilted her head towards the sky.
Great.
The mule behind her snorted. Lucy tensed. Fabric rustled and metal clinked. She held her breath. More rustling. Her horse snorted and stomped it's hoof. Lucy's heart pounded in her chest.
Footsteps approached from behind. Lucy reached for her keys at her hip.
A blanket went over her head and Lucy screamed.
Her horse reared it's front legs, neighing loudly. Lucy fought against the blanket, her arms swinging wildly. Her heart was in her throat, her breathing rushed.
Strong hands grabbed around her waist and she screamed again.
The blanket was pulled off her face and Lucy found herself staring at Laxus' smug expression.
"Scare you?" He chuckled. Electricity arced off his shoulders, illuminating the surrounding area.
Lucy breathed hard and her head turned from side to side, scanning the woods. There was nothing. No attackers, no danger, just Laxus. She looked down. A heavy blanket laid in her lap.
Her head shot up and her eyes narrowed. "Jerk!"
Laxus chuckled as he untied the reins.
Snow fell steadily around them. Lucy shivered and wrapped the heavy blanket around her shoulders. Laxus climbed into the saddle behind her, his arms drawing her back against him. He flicked the reins and the horse started walking.
Laxus' magic lit the path before them. Electricity popped and crackled. Sparks arced across his body and tingled Lucy's nerves as they passed by her.
She snuggled into the blanket, feeling tired. Her shivering stopped and her body warmed. She leaned her head against Laxus' chest, her breathing slow. Her eyelids grew heavy as the horse's gait gently rocked her body.
She closed her eyes.
"Oy," Laxus said. Her eyes sprang open. "Don't fall asleep, you'll fall."
"I'm not," Lucy said. She closed her eyes and her body melted into Laxus' chest. She could feel his chest rising and falling with each breath. She could feel the steady beating of his heart.
"Shit," she heard Laxus say as an arm wrapped around her body. His hand rested on her hip.
She nuzzled into the crook of the arm that held her. She breathed in his scent as sleep overcame her.
A/N Thank you for reading! Hope you enjoyed the chapter. Please leave a review with your thoughts and feelings. I love hearing what you guys think!