Rogue frowned down at his cell phone, "Rufus says we need to turn on the news right now."
Sting groaned, "It's not like some exposé on how cheese is slowly killing us right? I'm not really interested in a long distance lecture on my diet right now."
Rogue shrugged, "He didn't say what it was, he just said it's extremely important."
"Extremely important could mean anything with that guy," Sting grumbled, but he still paused their game and switched the TV over. "We finally have a night to play again and Rufus manages to ruin it from all the way in Crocus."
A female broadcaster appeared on the screen, her expression stern as she reported, "After allegations came out, many girls are coming forward. At this time there are seven different women who will be taking in part in the massive sexual misconduct suit against Iris Corporation's CEO Jiemma Orland."
Sting's eyes went wide. In almost a laugh he said, "What did she just say?"
Rogue hurriedly shushed him and sat forward on the couch.
"We go now live to where Head of Communications Minerva Orland will be giving a statement,"
The other broadcaster chuckled in disbelief, "Orland? Tell me Mickey, does that mean she's related to Jiemma."
The Mickey smiled, "Well Chapati, I believe she is actually his daughter."
Chapati shook his head, "Clearly Mr. Orland must be feeling very confident if he is just using someone internal to address the public. Especially someone who could hardly be considered impartial."
Minerva came on the TV. Her hair was pulled back tightly and her black suit was crisp and modest. Her makeup was flawless but Rogue could tell, she was exhausted.
She cleared her throat and stated, "Iris Corporation takes sexual misconduct of any kind extremely seriously. We do not tolerate this behavior from anyone on our staff no matter what the position. We are conducting an internal review at this time and we will make sure that every complaint is addressed and properly investigated."
"Ms. Orlando, how can we know that this won't just get brushed under the rug like all of your father's past indiscretions? As head of Iris Corporation, he is an extremely powerful man."
"I can assure you that when he is prosecuted he will receive exactly the treatment he deserves. His position will not change that," She snapped. Her eyes widened ever so slightly, Rogue wondered if she had meant to sound so harsh. Then Minerva frowned and quickly added, "That will be all, no more questions." She turned sharply and disappeared into a crowd of flashes.
The TV cut back to the broadcasters. "Wow, cold as ice," Chapati said with a laugh.
"I imagine daddy is not going to be happy with his little girl today," added Mickey.
"No indeed," Chapati agreed. "That was short but not sweet."
"Idiots," Sting said as he turned the TV back over to the x-box.
Rogue stood and began pacing back and forth. "I don't know what to do! Should I go see her? Do you think she needs me?"
"Rogue, she didn't look like she needed anyone up there. She actually looked pretty badass."
"You don't understand this has to be heartbreaking for her. She put that man on such a pedestal, and now she has to report to the press that he's a monster!" Rogue pulled at his hair and fell back down on the couch.
"I don't think anyone forced her too, she could have said a much blander statement."
"Should I go?"
Sting shrugged, "Man, I don't know."
Rogue stared at the pause screen for a while, his mind warring over should he stay or should he go. Finally he picked up his controller and motioned to the TV. "Let's get back to it."
"Ya sure?"
"No, but she probably wouldn't let me in anyway," Rogue sighed.
Gajeel found Levy in the kitchen cursing over the sink while Shutora and Yajeh blew raspberries at each other. "What are you doing Levy?" he asked with a grin.
Her face was scrunched up with deep concentration. "I am peeling an avocado."
Gajeel's grin grew, Levy's attempts at being domestic always amused him. "Why?" he walked over to lean on the counter and watch her.
"I wanted to give a piece to the twins. The books say avocados are a good texture to start at this age." Levy's tongue peeked out from her lips as the peeler missed its mark again.
Gajeel chuckled. "Well I assumed that you were making it for the twins, since you have them set up in their seats. What I don't get is why you are peeling it."
Levy paused and looked up at him with a furrowed brow. "Do you not peel these?"
Gajeel laughed, took the avocado from her and pulled the pocket knife from his pocket. He ran a knife around the outside. Then with a twist he opened it and used the knife to pop out the pit.
"Dammit, I knew I should have googled it!" Levy pouted. "I just don't want them to be picky eaters like I was. I read it's good for this to be more about play than sustenance. They need to get used to different textures and different flavors."
"Oh yeah?" Gajeel scooped a slice out on each of the twin's trays and mashed them with the plastic forks that Levy had set out for them. They both had adorable expressions of amazement, Yajeh reached out and touched the green substance and wrinkled his nose but Shutora immediately put a fingerful in her mouth.
"And I'll have to start out just week by week to make sure they aren't allergic."
"Sure." Gajeel wasn't really listening at this point, Levy would probably explain it all again the next time she fed them. It was much more interesting to watch the twins explore the new food.
"Oh and look what mom got me!" Levy said excitedly.
Gajeel turned and Levy was holding what looked like a blender with a happy face on it. He guessed it was supposed to be cute but he didn't know how he felt about appliances that smiled at him. "That's a cute blender, Shorty. Ya gonna start making us smoothies or something?" He walked over to the sink to wash off his knife.
"No! It's for making baby food!"
Gajeel turned off the sink and looked at her. Then he burst into a loud guffaw. "Yer gonna make baby food? You? Who can't even make a decent piece of toast?"
Levy set down the blender and shook a finger in his face. "I can make baby food, I'll show you Gajeel." She crossed her arms and lifted her chin, "It's actually very simple, I've been reading all about it."
Gajeel dried his knife and put in back in his pocket. He kissed her head. "Oh it's in a book now? Then you'll certainly figure it out." Just before he left the kitchen he added, "It's too bad they don't have books about adult food or you'd be a pro at that too." Then he hopped out of the kitchen.
"Gajeel!" Levy shouted after him. A dishcloth landed in the hall after him with a splat. Gajeel grinned and shook his head, he loved that his shorty was so feisty.
"I am so glad you all came to me! Now that you picked a location you have so much to plan!" Erza said with a quick clap of her hands. She turned and pulled a large binder off the shelf behind her. Then she sat and let it fall on the coffee table with a large thud.
"I'm so glad you are able to help us," Lucy said, grimacing at the massive amount of information that now lay on the table in front of them.
"I'm sure you have already addressed the major things like the photographer, the florist, the DJ or band, the caterer?" Erza lifted the tea she had from the side table next to her and took a long sip.
Natsu shook his head, "Nope." He grinned at Erza's shocked expression.
Worried about how her future sister-in-law might be judging her, Lucy quickly added, "Well we are using Droy for the flowers, we already gave him the date. It's just the rest we haven't really decided on. Maybe we should just use who you did?"
Erza set down her tea and tapped her chin. "Macbeth said he will not do any more weddings, they make him too happy and it weirds him out. As for the band we had, they need to be booked way in advance, it is way too late. Though I'm sure Mest would do the catering again. Mira will have to close the restaurant for your wedding anyway, it is good of you to help put some money in her pocket."
"Okay, I'll call her about it tonight," Lucy said. She pulled a small notebook from her purse and started to write.
Erza nodded and lifted her tea again. "Now since the Cornell's vineyard isn't set up to host events yet, you will have a ton rentals."
"Rentals?" Lucy asked, looking up from her notes.
Erza set down her tea and flipped through her binder. "Tables, chairs, dishes, silverware. . . You will probably also need tents and heaters for that time of year. Not to mention all the linens, tablecloths, napkins. All that is even before you get into centerpieces and decorations for the ceremony. You'll have to decide who's going to do set up and break down, and who's going move the chairs from the ceremony to the reception site. Or I suppose you could always just rent twice the amount of chair . . ."
Natsu waved her off. "We should just get a grill and some paper plates. People can sit in the grass."
Erza looked up sharply. "Absolutely not! This is not a barbeque!"
"Do you think you would want to help coordinate?" Lucy asked with hope in her eyes. A wedding run by Erza was guaranteed to go smoothly.
Erza shook her head. "I would, but obviously my duties as matron of honor will get in the way of my being able to properly coordinate, you should pick someone who isn't in your wedding party."
Lucy cringed. "Wait, matron of honor? Erza I didn't . . ."
"It will be an extremely busy day though, I would be sure to make sure you have someone to help you get through it," Erza said with a gentle smile.
"Erza wait, I was planning on having Levy as matron-of-honor," Lucy explained with a grimace.
"Levy? But she's so short!" Erza cried.
Lucy pinched the bridge of her nose. "Erza, I'm not picking based on height!"
"Didn't you see how aesthetically pleasing it was to have the girls in height order?" Erza frantically turned to a page where she had paper dolls of all the girls in their dresses. "I worked tirelessly to find the best setup for all of the girls." She pulled out another doll from the pocket of the binder. "I even made you an Erza so we could experiment with the order for your wedding. We just have to print out copies of the dress you picked."
"That isn't really important to me, I don't even know that I'm going to make you guys all wear the same dresses," Lucy tried to explain.
"But how will they know who's in the wedding party!" Erza cried.
Natsu gently shut the binder. "Erza it's not that big of a wedding and people will see you up front. Relax you're scaring Lucy."
"She's not scaring me," Lucy squeaked.
Erza took a deep breath and relaxed back into the couch. "Of course, of course, Lucy I'm sure whatever you decide will be lovely. I will not press you."
"The biggest thing we need right now is a photographer, did you have anyone else that you liked? Everyone I've spoken to is booked." Lucy lamented.
"Well I do have someone," Erza looked at Natsu and pursed her lips to restrain a smile. "He would probably jump through hoops to do Natsu's wedding."
"Is he good?" Lucy asked excitedly.
Natsu narrowed his eyes. "Wait a minute, who are you talking about?"
"He's very good, excellent actually. He works for the newspaper now but he'll make special exceptions for people he really likes." She started to snicker, "And he really likes Natsu. He'd probably even give you guys a discount."
"Discount? That sounds like a good thing!" Lucy clapped her hands.
"The newspaper? Oh no, you can't be suggesting . . ." Natsu threw his head back with a grown.
"Jason used to do a lot of weddings and his work is fantastic." Erza opened the binder again.
"Noooo, Erza that guy will be up my ass!" Natsu whined.
Lucy grabbed his arm. "But Natsu, all the other good ones are taken, he can't be that bad!" She leaned forward to look at the page of photos that Erza opened the binder to.
"It's just pictures, can't we just have people take them with like disposable cameras?" Natsu offered.
Erza shook her head. "Absolutely not! You need a professional. Lucy needs someone who is going to make sure each photo has the right light and is from a proper angle. You don't want wedding photos where she looks like a cow!"
Lucy looked up with a pout. "There are angles where I look like a cow?"
Natsu sighed, "Fine, we can go talk to him."
Lucy furrowed her brow at him. "Wait a minute, why aren't you saying I don't look like a cow?"
"Lucy obviously you don't look like a cow." Natsu's lips raised into a teasing smile, "At least not from any angles I'd want other people to see you."
Lucy scowled, "See if you get to see me from those angles again!" She stood and started to storm off.
"Where are you going?" Natsu asked.
"To the bathroom, I might have some grass in my teeth," she exclaimed then she disappeared from the room. They heard the bathroom door slam.
Natsu turned back to Erza with a grin, "You gotta admit though, she's a pretty sexy cow."
Erza chuckled and sipped her tea, "Indeed."
Mira leaned across the bar in front of Cana and frowned. "The guy at table fifteen keeps complaining about how dry his chicken is. I had Mest make another one but he's still not happy. Do you think I should comp his drink?"
"No way! Tell him to go fuck himself. He probably just wants you to bring him a raw one so he can really raise a fuss and get a free meal." Cana made a crude gesture at the man's backside making Mira giggle.
Mira turned to Chelia, "What do you think sweetie, comp something or just give him the I'm sorry with the tight smile.''
Chelia grinned, "I bet he's just trying to get you to come back to his table again. He's been eyeing you funny all night."
Mira wrinkled her brow. "You think so? Seems like a strange way to try and get my attention. . ."
Laxus came up behind her and placed his hands on her shoulders. "Hey, I gotta get outta here 'cause I have to go work on one of the houses early tomorrow. Are you good here?"
"No that idiot over there is giving Mira trouble," Cana said pointing at the guy's table.
"Really? What's he doing?" Laxus said, eyeing the man's back with a frown.
Mira waved him off. "Nothing really just complaining about the food. Says the chicken is a little dry, it didn't seem dry to me but I guess everyone has different tastes. . ."
"Complaining about the chicken? No one ever complains about the chicken! Mest always makes that perfect! If it was one of those weird specials he does I'd understand, but the chicken?" Laxus shook his head, "no way."
"That's what I'm saying!" Cana said with an exaggerated.
"I'll go say something," Laxus said.
Mira grabbed his arm. "No, you don't have to do my job. I can handle it,"
Laxus smiled and squeezed her shoulders. "I know you can, but this way you'll have less hassle. I'll feel better leaving if I know you're done dealing with that asshole."
Mira sighed, she really wasn't thrilled about going back to the table. "Fine."
He started to head over there but stopped and turned back, "Oh and tomorrow when I get off I need to take you somewhere. Can you be ready to go after lunch when you have a lull here? I'll text you when I'm done."
"Show me something? What are you going to show me?"
Laxus eyes darted between a curious Cana and Chelia than landed back on Mira with a smile. "You'll see."
Mira shook her head and blew him a kiss. She watched him walk over to the table and lean down over the guy with a patronizing grin. He was being polite but intimidating, the customer looked embarrassed and apologetic. Normally she would have just giving the person a free drink but something about this one had felt off. She was glad Laxus dealt with it.
Laxus shook the man's hand and then headed to the door. Before he pushed his way out he sent her a wink. Mira smiled. She didn't care that he was getting up early tomorrow, the second she got home she was waking him up for a reward.
"He's totally proposing tomorrow," Cana teased.
Mira spun quickly she could tell her face was bright red. "What? Of course not!"
"What do you think Chelia?" Cana said motioning to Mira with her head
"I'd say he's pretty smitten," Chelia said with a giggle.
"You guys are so ridiculous. I know he's not proposing tomorrow." Mira tapped her chin, "But I am very interested to see what he's got planned."
"Did you hear that Chelia? She knows he's not proposing. How exactly would you know that Mira?" Cana asked. Chelia just smiled and shook her head.
Mira tilted her head and gave Cana her best look of sad innocence. "Oh Cana, you know my Laxus. Marriage is such a scary word for him."
Kinana came up to the bar, "Hey Cana, I need the check for table fifteen."
"Sure thing lover," Cana said before turning to register.
"Oh and Mira, he said to tell you thank you so much for your help but he decided the chicken wasn't so bad after all." Kinana wrinkled her nose. "He also asked if he could get the other chicken that he sent back packed up to go."
"Oh for Pete's sake, that man is so weird. Does he think we keep tossed out food?" Mira said crossing her arms.
Kinana nodded her head. "I figured but thought I'd check." She grabbed the receipt from Cana and with a "thank you lady," headed back to the table.
"See I told you, total creep," Cana said, leaning back over the bar.
Mira nodded, "Definitely. Watch him, make sure he doesn't walk off with the salt."
"Gray-sama! Gray-sama!" Juvia whispered into Gray's ear, jerking him away from a pleasant sleep.
He rolled over and squinted at her, then he groaned, "What time is it?"
"It's almost two o'clock," Juvia whispered.
"What? Why the hell are you getting me up then?" he half-whined, half-growled as he rubbed his tired face.
"Gray-sama, Juvia heard a noise."
Gray sighed, of course Juvia heard a noise. He rolled back over and closed his eyes, "It was probably just your imagination. It's fine, go back to sleep."
A large thump came from downstairs and Gray's eyes flew open. "What the hell?"
"See Gray-sama, Juvia was not imagining anything, something is downstairs!" Juvia hissed.
"Alright, alright, I'll check it out," Gray sat up and rubbed his head. He didn't want to check anything out, he just wanted to go back to sleep. He hoped it was just a broken appliance, it was too early to fight off burglars.
Something heavy and cold rested on his shoulder. "Here Gray-sama, take Big Betty."
Gray frowned down at the large black bat resting on his shoulder, "Why the hell do you have that?"
"Gajeel got it for me when he started spending more time at Levy's."
"This is a nice neighborhood, why would he think you needed that?"
Juvia laughed quietly through her nose, "In case Gray-sama ever got too fresh." Her sniffs turned to full on giggles, "Though Juvia liked it too much when Gray-sama did, so Juvia never had a chance to use it."
Gray sighed, "Just give me the damn bat Juvia."
"Gray-sama is very cranky in the middle of the night," Juvia said with a tsk. There was another loud thump and a clatter.
Gray stood and pulled the bat from her hands. "I'd say I'm entitled tonight." He started towards the door.
Juvia called out to stop him, "Is Gray-sama just going to go down like that?"
Gray looked down at his naked body and shrugged, "If they didn't want to see me naked, they shouldn't have broke into my house in the middle of the night." Juvia frowned and Gray pointed the bat at her, "Just stay there alright, and when I get back I'll show you what too fresh means!"
He turned and headed into the hall, Juvia's quiet giggle in the background was music to his ears. It almost made him forget that he was heading to face some unknown intruder in his house until he heard the thump again. Gray propped the bat on his shoulder and slowed his pace as he started down the stairs. The sound was coming from the kitchen he was pretty sure, so the second he hit the bottom of the stairs he would be visible. He had to be prepared.
When he was halfway down, he felt a hand on his shoulder. Gray jumped and almost swung the bat but stopped when Juvia whispered, "Gray-sama."
"Jesus, Juvia! You trying to give a man a heart attack? What the hell are you doing?" Gray hissed.
"Juvia was worried about Gray-sama."
"Juvia, you were supposed to stay in the room where it's safe"
"This is better, Juvia will help Gray-sama defeat the ruffians!"
Gray was tempted to grab her and carry her back upstairs, but at this point he was sure whoever was downstairs had already heard them. The time to move was now. He continued sneaking down the stairs with Juvia hiding behind him.
When he got to the bottom of the stairs the kitchen was lit up by the light of the refrigerator. A figure stood crouched next to the open door. When they straightened, closed the door, and turned, it was a face Gray recognized a little too well. His arms went slack at his sides. "Ya gotta be kidding me."
"Lyon! What in the world are you doing here?" Juvia exclaimed.
Lyon retrieved a fork from the drawer with an ease of someone who had lived there. He pulled the lid from the container. "Oh Juvia, I know this is dreadfully late but you had said to come by whenever. Sue broke it off and I just didn't know what to do with myself!"
"So you came to my house and you're eating my food!" Gray exclaimed.
"Well technically it is still Juvia's house, your name isn't on the deed." Lyon took a bite of the leftovers and finally took in Gray's naked appearance. "That's a big bat you've got there. Compensating for something?"
"This is totally inappropriate man, you can't just break into a woman's house in the middle of the night to raid her fridge," Gray chastised. He grabbed the container out of Lyon's hand and tossed on that counter, "and that's definitely my food."
"I didn't break in, I have a key," Lyon said. Gray gawked at Juvia but all she had for him was an apologetic shrug. Lyon picked back up the container from where Gray tossed it. "And didn't you just say that it's your house as well? If I can't come see my closest friend and the man who is practically my brother when I'm in pain, where can I go?"
"Oh Gray-sama he didn't mean to cause offense. Lyon is just suffering from a broken heart, aren't you Lyon?" Juvia asked.
Lyon set down the container and covered his eyes. "Yes, I thought she was the love of my life!"
"Oh poor Lyon this must be so hard for you!" Juvia exclaimed. She wrapped her arms around him in a comforting hug.
"It is Juvia, my heart is broken!" Lyon exclaimed hugging her back.
Gray could feel his eye start to twitch. He suddenly had a very strong desire to use the bat right against Lyon's pretty head. Instead he shouted, "This is my house!"
"Well I guess if you really don't want me here. . ." Lyon dramatically pushed the leftovers away.
"Gray-sama!" Juvia exclaimed. She walked over to him and pulled him aside. Then she whispered, "Gray-sama, Lyon is just a friend, Juvia promises. It makes Juvia's heart sing to see Gray-sama so jealous, but right not Lyon's heart is broken and he needs a friend. Gray-sama can understand this right?"
Gray looked at Lyon and he swore the man winked. Gray's eye started to twitch again.
Juvia drew him back in by kissing him firmly on the lips. He looked down at her in surprise and she smiled coyly. Then she rose on her tiptoes and whispered in his ear, "Juvia promises she will make it up to Gray-sama."
Gray looked back at Lyon and was pleased to see he didn't look quite as smug as he did before. He pointed the bat at Lyon and said, "Next time call first, you moron." Then he pinched Juvia on the rump, grinning to himself at her squeak, and headed back for the stairs.
He could hear Juvia fuss and fret, "Do you want some tea Lyon? What a terrible woman, Juvia never liked her. Come on Lyon, let's sit on the couch and you can tell Juvia all about it." Gray didn't worry the least bit about it. He had nothing to worry about, he knew that at the end of the night it would be his bed that Juvia would be in.
"Hey Minerva," Rufus said as he knocked lightly on her open door.
"What can I do for you Rufus?" Minerva asked her voice tinged with annoyance. She pulled open her top drawer and started pulling out everything that wasn't company related and tossing it into the already half-full copy paper box on top of her desk.
Rufus smiled sadly. "I assume since you are doing that now that you know why I am here."
"Of course I know why you're here Rufus. I'm not some kind of moron."
"Well I'm supposed to tell you that you were given a statement to read and you didn't read it. Because of this, you have irreparably ruined the image of our company and the company's CEO. . ."
"It was a stupid statement that put blame on Matan," Minerva snapped.
"You will be given a decent severance package," he said, dropping a thick envelope on the desk. "Should give you time to find something else."
"Well at least he allowed me that I suppose," Minerva sighed. She picked up the envelope and set it in the box. Then she fell back in her chair with a sigh, "I didn't mean to get so emotional, I planned on keeping it more impartial. I was supposed to say if, not when."
"I know and off the record, thank you."
Minerva furrowed her brow and lifted her eyes, "for what?"
"It meant a lot to the staff that you would stick your nose out for them. I've had quite a few people come in demanding that we allow you to keep your job."
Minerva snorted and stood. She picked up her box and said snidely, "Kissing my ass to the last second aren't you Rufus."
"As my memory serves, I'm the only one who has never kissed your ass Minerva," Rufus said with a grin.
Minerva stared at him for a few seconds, then she narrowed her eyes and started for the door. "Goodbye Rufus."
"Good luck Minerva," Rufus said softly as he watched her leave.
"Mr. Orland, Mr. Orland! How do you feel about your daughter's statements the other day?" a reported asked, shoving a microphone in his face.
"I don't have a daughter anymore," Jiemma snapped. He began to walk away but then turned back and grabbed the reporter's microphone. "See, this is why you can't let them work together. You gotta keep 'em separated or else their cycles sink up, then the moon comes out and bam!" he emphasized by slapping his fist into his palm. "They all turn against you. My daughter was smart and professional, this behavior is extremely disappointing. She has been poisoned against me and to me she is dead." He was then pulled away by bodyguards.
A man with a bright smile and a black suit said, "Sorry, Mr. Orland has had a very stressful day. Please no more questions."
Sting leaned over the back of the couch, "Wow that guy can't stop burying himself."
"I hope he rots," Rogue snapped.
Sting stole the remote and turned off the TV. "You've gotta stop watching this shit man, it's making you nuts."
"I can't, I've gotta know what's going on!"
"You're just hoping she's on again." Sting grinned. "Who would have thought, Rogue turned stalker?"
Rogue crossed his arms and scowled. "Oh, shut your mouth."
"I mean really, I can tell just talking about her is getting you all hot and bothered," Sting teased.
Rogue leapt over the couch and tackled Sting to the floor. "Shut up man!"
Sting just laughed and pushed him away with a hand on his throat, "Rogue, I'm not Minerva! Stop trying to make out with me."
"Make out with you? More like break your nose, you jackass!" Rogue grunted. He slapped at Sting's face, growling when Sting was able to bat him away. Sting tried to roll him over but Rogue managed to flip him around instead and pull him up in a headlock.
"Uncle, uncle!" Sting rasped. "You don't love Minerva, you're not a stalker!"
Rogue let him go and fell backwards, covering his eyes with his arm.
Sting cocked his head and raised a brow. "You alright man?"
"No," Rogue said quietly.
"Have you tried to call her or anything?"
"I sent her a text, I asked her how she was doing."
Sting stood. "What did she say?"
"Nothing, she hasn't responded." Rogue's breath hitched.
"Alright, alright, come on now. No crying." Sting took Rogue's hand and pulled him to a stand. "We're getting out of the house. No more watching the news, it's all crap."
Rogue rubbed his face. "You're right, you're right. I'll go put on a clean shirt."
Laxus pulled to the side of the road. Mira didn't recognize the street or any of the houses around them. She turned to him and asked, "What are we doing here honey?"
Laxus leaned over and nodded out the window. "We're here for this house."
Mira turned and looked up at the craftsman styled home. There wasn't anything particularly special about it, but it was cute. Someone had recently painted the porch and updated the stone facade detailing the lower quarter of the home. Mira turned back to Laxus. "Is this a house you're working on?"
Laxus shrugged, "You could say that."
"Laxus, I know you aren't a big sharer, but you're going to have to give me more than that."
Laxus fell back in his seat and blew out a big sigh. He motioned to the house without looking at it. "I own it."
Mira looked at the house then back to Laxus. "What?"
"I own it, that's my house," Laxus repeated. He scratched his head and shifted uncomfortably in his seat. "I've actually owned it for a few years now."
"I thought you had an apartment," Mira said.
"Well I did . . ." Laxus frowned. "I actually got rid of my apartment last November."
"Laxus! Why didn't you tell me any of this?" Then she added more quietly, "How did I not notice you didn't have an apartment anymore?"
"Well it seemed silly to pay for both when I was staying at your place all the time. I never planned on keeping the house. It was a foreclosure so I got it cheap and I've been slowly fixing in up." Laxus smiled apologetically, "I was actually just planning on fixing it up and selling it, ya know, it's like a hobby thing. Just now that we're married and all, it seemed like something you should know about."
Mira looked back at the house and stared. She could sense Laxus fidgeting slightly next to her. "Are you mad about this?" he asked.
"No, I just . . . I just can't believe I didn't know you had a house. How long have you had this?" Mira said.
"Three years."
Mira quickly turned back to him, "Three years!"
Laxus shrugged, "Well, ya know, when we were fooling around it didn't feel like it was something you needed to know. Since we've been more of thing, I don't know, it just didn't come up."
Mira smiled and giggled, "I guess you could say it was because other things came up!"
Laxus covered his eyes and smiled for the first time since they had arrived. "Cute Mira," he quipped sarcastically.
"Can we go inside?" Mira asked.
"Sure, if you want to."
They got out of the car and Mira practically skipped up to the front door. This was a nice street, and such a cute neighborhood. She couldn't believe Laxus owned a house here. It seemed almost out of character. It must have been a really good deal to tempt him so long ago.
Laxus unlocked the front door. "It's not quite finished yet. . ."
Mira stepped in and gaped. "Oh my god Laxus, this is beautiful!"
"Ya think so?"
"Yes! How did you afford this?" She walked into the middle of the front room.
"Well it's been a little bit here or there. I watched for deals when getting stuff for clients. Kept a few things client's changed their mind on."
"You're going to sell it?" Mira asked, trying to hide the disappointment in her tone.
"I was thinking you could decide that," Laxus explained with a tight smile.
Mira's eyes went wide. "I can decide?"
"If you want we can sell it and use the money to buy the house you want, or even stay in the apartment and keep the money for savings or something. Or . . .we could just stay here."
Mira felt herself starting to tear up.
Laxus grimaced, "Ah fuck Mira, are you really starting to cry?"
"I'm sorry this is just so beautiful. I never thought, I never thought I'd get to live somewhere so beautiful," Mira sobbed.
"Why the hell would you think that?" he pulled her into a tight hug.
"I don't know, it just always felt like I was struggling to get ahead. Even now the restaurant is doing well, but there's a lot of loans to pay off. I just figured I'd be renting forever."
"Nah, you woulda figured it out, if you really wanted a house you would have gotten it. You're the toughest woman I know."
She pulled his face down and kissed him tenderly. She loved him so much. She never would have imagined he would grow so much in such a short time or that he would even consider things like marriage and a family home.
When she came up for air, Laxus grinned down at her. "So I guess this means we're keeping it?"
"You're sure we can?" Mira asked. When Laxus nodded she smiled coyly. "Then which room should we christen first?"
Orga sighed as he leaned back in his seat. "Oh man, I can't tell you guys how nice it is to have you back. I was starting to think I should move to Crocus myself."
"You could still do it you know," Sting said. "Rufus would love having ya there."
"Are you kidding? That guy has like a ten o'clock bedtime. And he's always saying he has no desire to go to concerts because the memory of being surrounded by all those sweaty people is enough for him."
"Eh he's not so bad, sometimes he stays up until ten thirty you know," Rogue joked.
Sting laughed, "He'll stay up as late as you want if you have a juicy secret you're trying to hide. Just say the words 'this stays between you and me' and suddenly he's ready to have another round!"
The three men exploded in laughter and Yukino wrinkled her nose. "But you guys do like Rufus right?"
"Of course! We love Rufus! We were all roommates in college, we're basically brothers," Sting explained.
Orga sighed, "It was easier for you two, you didn't have to share a room with him."
"We should be feeling sorry for him, cleanliness isn't exactly your best trait," Sting teased.
"You're just clean cause you're trying to hide what a pig you are from Yukino," Rogue said with a forced smiled. He felt a buzz in his pocket so he pulled out his phone. The world seemed to stop when he saw it was a text from Minerva.
He opened it quickly. 'I miss you'. Rogue stared down at it, frozen. He was terrified that if he touched it it might disappear.
"You okay man?" Sting asked. Rogue looked up and everyone was staring at him.
Rogue frowned down at his phone and stood. "Yeah, I'm just gonna run to the bathroom." Then he wandered off, ignoring whatever Sting followed with.
'I miss you too,' he typed back. Instead of heading to the bathroom he went through the front door of the bar and stood outside.
His phone buzzed again and he looked down at it. 'If you were here I'd fuck your brains out.' Rogue closed his eyes and fell against the side of the building. He knew that wasn't what he wanted but just the thought made him weak in the knees. It brought back memories of her mouth, her skin, the muscles of her thighs . . .
His phone buzzed again, 'But the best part would be after, when we broke that tension and I could just lay in your arms.'
Rogue clenched his jaw in frustration, why was she three hours away! 'Do you want me to come now?' he typed.
'I need you. I don't sleep anymore.'
Rogue started towards the parking lot. 'I'm coming I'll get in my car.' He had driven Orga but he could get a cab, he would be okay. Really he would be pissed but Rogue was beyond caring.
Another buzz. 'WAIT NO! I shouldn't have sent that!'
Rogue paused and frowned down at his phone. Why was she toying with him like this. "Why not?" he sent back.
'Rogue don't come,' the next text pleaded.
He wished she was in front of him, for the first time communicating through a text just didn't feel like enough for him. 'Minerva this is crazy. . .' he tried.
'Seriously don't.' Then immediately after the phone read, 'I didn't mean to send that, I've had too much wine. I'm going to bed.'
Rogue stood there, shell shocked, confused and unable to respond. He didn't know whether to be happy she had contacted him or upset. Why did she have to make things so difficult? Finally after a few minutes of silence, he reluctantly wrote, 'fine, goodnight.'
He started for the door of the bar then stopped. He picked up his phone and typed, 'Minerva, if I did come. Would you let me in?'
His phone stayed still. After waiting five minutes with no response, Rogue sighed and opened the door to the bar. He was almost back to the table when his phone buzzed again.
'Maybe. . .just not tonight.'
Rogue put the phone back in his pocket. Maybe wasn't great, but it was better than no.
"Oh my god! I can't believe Natsu is in my apartment, it's so cool!" Jason exclaimed when he opened the door.
Natsu grimaced, Jason hadn't changed one bit. "Hey Jason, been a while."
"I've been sending you facebook requests but you never accept them, what's up with that man?"
"Yeah . . .I'm not really on there," Natsu said as he stepped into the living room. He motioned to Lucy, hoping to change the subject."So Jason, this is my fiance Lucy,"
Jason looked Lucy up and down then gave a curt nod. He held out his hand and said, "Good to meet you."
"Thanks, I'm really excited to . . ."
Jason started pushing Natsu farther into the house, "You have to come in, I have so much to show you. Shooting Natsu Dragneel's wedding! I couldn't believe it when Erza called me!"
"Sit here," Jason said, motioning to the couch. Natsu plopped down with a frown, then Lucy hesitantly took the seat next to him.
"He's . . .enthusiastic . . ." Lucy quipped when Jason left the room.
"Yeah, he was always up my nuts when we were younger . . ." Natsu groaned.
Jason came flying back in with massive books in hand. He practically threw them at Natsu. "These are my more artistic weddings, this book here's the ones done in a more classic style, and this one is just a few of my favorite editorial stuff."
Natsu took the books and handed them over to Lucy. "Yeah, I wouldn't know the difference. Lucy's the one who needs to see them."
"Oh?" Jason looked at Lucy with a confused expression.
Lucy started through the artistic portfolio and smiled. "These are lovely Jason."
"Yeah?" He sat down on the coffee table and pointed down at the book. "See this one? The best man puked all over the right side of the bride's dress halfway through the reception. It was so cool! They could only get so much of it off so I had to make sure that all the photos only showed her left side."
Lucy chuckled, "Oh my god, I hope that doesn't happen at mine."
"I think we only have to worried about him getting naked," Natsu said with a smile.
"So what's it like being engaged to Natsu, I bet it's awesome!" Jason practically shouted.
Lucy looked at him with a smirk and slightly raised brow, "I guess you could say it's cool."
"So coool!" Jason exclaimed, clenching his fists. "Did you know that Natsu punched me in the face once? Right here!" he said, pointing to his left cheek.
"Natsu! Why are you always hitting people!" Lucy said, giving him a playful smack.
Natsu shrugged, he couldn't even remember doing it. "It was high school, he was probably getting in my face."
"Oh, I totally deserved it. The school newspaper wouldn't have let me put that locker room photo in anyway. It hurt so bad, it was so cool!" Jason stood and looked at Natsu. "Can I get you something to drink? Water, Orange Juice, a coke, maybe something a little stronger?"
Lucy turned another page. "Can I have a water Jason? That would be just perfect."
Jason frowned at her then looked back to Natsu, but Natsu shook his head. "I'm good man."
When he disappeared, Natsu said, "Is this even worth it? He still a total whack job."
"These photos though," Lucy held up the book and showed Natsu a tastefully done spread of the bride. "I want photos like these. Nobody else who's available takes photos like these." She returned the book to her lap and grimaced. "I just worry if we use him, that all our photos will be of you."
Natsu raised a brow."But other than that you like him?" When Lucy nodded, Natsu winked. "Don't worry about that, I got it."
Jason came back with the water, Natsu leaned back in his seat and tilted his head. "So Jason, do you think you would want to do our wedding in October?"
"Yes, yes, YES! It would be so cool!" Jason cheered.
Natsu nodded. "Lucy really likes your photos, but here's the deal man, when you take pictures, there has to be twice as many of Lucy as there are of me."
Jason's face fell, he looked at Lucy with a furrowed brow. "Twice as many . . ."
"Yeah, if there isn't enough of Lucy then I'm gonna kick your ass," Natsu said, grunting slightly when he felt Lucy's heel on his foot. He looked at Lucy and she gave him a look of warning, he just smiled and patted her thigh. Yet when he looked back at Jason, he was confused to find that the man actually looked excited.
"Kick my ass?" Jason whispered.
Natsu just barely held back an eye roll. "But if you take enough of Lucy, I'll . . ." Natsu struggled to think of what the nutjob would like more, "give you a high five?"
Jason jaw dropped. Natsu cringed, the man looked way too excited about a high five. Thank goodness he hadn't offered a hug. Jason quickly closed the distance between them and took Natsu's hand, shaking it with all his might. "It will be a pleasure to cover your wedding Natsu. I can't believe you care so much about your wife to be. It's just so . . . .it's so COOL!"
Hope you liked it! I was originally going to have Juvia and Gray find a mangy dog in their fridge but I went with another more well dressed dog instead ;) (also toyed with Cana and Gajeel)
Thanks so much for the reviews! It's so much easier to write for readers who respond ;) Until next time!
FairyTailLover04(sadly I cut the gruvia part of the wedding, it was a bit dull. hope the bit in this chap makes up for it?), CrimsonLink310, katiekat2001, Lodemai04, talkitivejaguar, Mogar, CelestialMageLucy(lol you keep trying to make them have babies!), Mo0nyMoon, kurovox2, Aviend, quite-a-riot, fictionalhearts(maybe, I have an idea ill have to see if I can make it work), and guests