A/N: So... Someone stole Noir and posted it to asianfanfics or whatever the FUCK it is. I'm so furious, I want to tear absolutely everything off this damn website. Please, if you've enjoyed my work, don't steal from me. I put so much effort into these stories, and I know it's fan fiction, but it is a little piece of my heart. Every time I write, it's genuine, no matter how shitty it turns out, and plagiarism of my work kills me. I'm so happy when people want to read my stories, but I will not stand for theft.

If you've notice any of my work loitering around the internet and it's not under the name "FreyjaBee," please let me know. I did not okay the reproduction of any of my stories. Thieves like this hurt all of us.


Lisanna was just stepping under the pounding hot spray when the washroom door opened wide and Bickslow came in. A startled yip tried to sneak out of her mouth—she was in the shower, for god's sake, wasn't it just a given that once the washroom door was closed it was a private time? —but she choked it back and only fixed him with a glare. He didn't seem to notice. His eyes clung to her body—she'd almost say shamelessly, but there was just a hint of –remorse? Regret? Something that made her want to wrap her arms around her body and hide behind the curtain. She didn't give into that urge.

Bickslow could only stare, captivated by all that skin. When he walked in, he knew she'd be getting into the shower. He knew she'd be just as naked as when she got up and walked away from him. But he didn't anticipate how much of an effect she'd still have on him. He'd planned on just going in, demanding some information and walking out. But now… Can't you leave her alone? Maybe, but what fun was that?

"I'm in here." Lisanna tried to throw some real bite into her words to counteract her rising bashfulness, but she was too off balance. In seconds, she withered under his hungry gaze and reverted back to a stammering mess. "I'll just be a few minutes—if you want to—to shower after."

He looked at her for another moment, as if warring with himself, then his expression cleared. "Now, why the hell would I do that when I've already made my bed, eh?"

"What?" Lisanna questioned.

Bickslow didn't reply, just grabbed the hem of his shirt and pulled it high over his head. Lisanna stared at his bare chest, for a moment enraptured, then realized what he was doing. "You can't get in here with me—"

He looked at her and laughed. And laughed. And laughed. "Shy?"

She wrapped her arms around her middle and shook her head. "No." Yes. "I'm just—"

"Trying to get clean?" Cause you dirtied her all up. He loved it. And hated it. And wanted to do it again. Shut up and just… It didn't do any good to tell himself to stay away, he'd already resigned himself to climbing in beside her. He tried to lean on reason. You can get in there and have a conversation. Once you're done, you can do all the stuff you want to her. Just get in, and don't touch her. He could only lie to himself so much; it wasn't going to go exactly like that, but thinking those things helped a little with the guilt. Remember that conversation you're going to have. That helped steer his thoughts back into a safer realm. Marginally. He grabbed his pants and pulled them down. Lisanna actually looked away. "You're so sweet, you make my teeth ache."

His words were glib and effortless. Lisanna's already flaming cheeks burned hotter. "Shut up. I'm—I'm trying to have a shower."

"And I'm about to join you." She squirmed. He ate it up.

Lisanna dug her fingers into her side. What are you so shy for? You just had sex with him. He's seen absolutely everything you have to show.

Yeah. But I didn't see him like this. He'd been mostly clothed… And… It just seemed intimate to watch someone try to clean themselves. It was a lot for her to take in. Just relax. So much easier said than done, but she took in a deep breath and inched back just a fraction when Bickslow grabbed the shower curtain and pulled it aside. He never took his eyes away from her as he stepped in. Lisanna felt like she was being flayed alive, his gaze was so intense.

Seeing her discomfort only pleased him.

Bickslow purposefully settled in too close and grabbed her hips in his still-gauzed hands. The motion pulled his cuts tight, but it was a pain he could easily ignore. The girl sucked in a breath and jolted as if shocked. Flashing her a toothy smile, he rubbed his thumbs over her middle and watched her fidget. Remember. Right. "We need to talk."

Lisanna's stomach pitched wildly. "A-about what?" He looked so serious, but his hands. It was hard thinking while he inched high one moment, then achingly low the next. Her mouth felt dry.

Bickslow pressed his cheek against hers. Hot water trundled over his hair and down his spine, making his flesh break out in goose bumps. "About last night."

Lisanna remembered leaning against the wall with first Pepper's mouth on hers, then Macon's. And then in the alley with Bickslow… She wanted to shrink back into the wall and hide, but there was nowhere to go. "I—I'm not usually like that—"

Impulsively, he flicked out his tongue and tasted her skin. It was just a little salty. She tasted good. "I don't want to talk about that." Not much, anyway, unless she fucking loved doing it out in public, then he was in, but if not… he wasn't so interested in hearing how ashamed she was. Well… He bit his cheek hard to sever the thought. Why do you love it when she's at her most uncomfortable? But that wasn't quite it. He liked to be the one to make her that way.

Lisanna stilled under his warm tongue. It roamed up, up, up to her earlobe and slid over her earring. She thought he'd eventually draw away if maybe she stayed perfectly still, but he only took her immobility as invitation and slipped her earlobe into his mouth, earring and all, and sucked and bit until it almost hurt. Her whole body alit in shivers and a tiny sob escaped her mouth. Bickslow tightened his hold on her hips as soon as he heard that and breathed a little quicker.

Hearing his reaction had her shyness slipping away. Suddenly, showering with him didn't seem like such a terrible thing. He felt her relax and moved his mouth to her neck and bullied her back further. Soon she had nowhere to go, her back was against the cold shower wall and he pressed solidly into her body. And he was getting harder by the second. She could feel it against her leg. Biting her lip, she dared to run her hand up his back. It was strange knowing Bickslow like this—having him there for her to touch. She liked it, though.

Don't forget… Bickslow nuzzled into the nape of her neck and wrapped his arms solidly around her waist. "You're distracting."

I am? Lisanna breathed out slowly. "I haven't done anything."

"Yeah? You think?" He couldn't see her face when his hands wandered low and grabbed her ass, but he had a very good imagination and perfectly envisioned her expression of both shock and arousal. He squeezed her harder and bit her throat over the bruised bite mark she'd received the night before, even though he knew the area was likely sensitive. She sucked in a sharp breath just as he thought, and both shrank back and tilted her throat for him, as if it hurt, but maybe she was okay with that.

With a growl that sounded entirely animalistic, Bickslow dragged one hand up her side and grabbed her breast hard. Her nipple was small and pert under his fingers. He kissed her shoulder and pushed his hips into her. Don't forget about that conversation…

It was especially hard to focus when Lisanna tentatively threaded her fingers through his hair and pulled lightly, a soft mewl on her lips. Gods. He loved that sound. Why can't you leave her alone? Because hearing her moan for him was absolutely worth demolishing her innocence. She's already mussed up. As if thinking like that would make it any easier, or less terrible for him to keep going.

Needing to touch more of him, Lisanna lifted her leg and wrapped it around Bickslow's middle. He grabbed her thigh and pulled her close, his body warm and pressing at her opening. The takeover mage found she was nervous, but not like before. It was easier with him tearing at her frantically, as if he couldn't get enough, as if she were making him crazy. No one had ever needed her like—

"Wait, wait, Lisanna—" Bickslow swallowed; his throat felt too small.

"W-what?" She was soaked between her legs again. He slipped easily over her opening.

Bickslow closed his eyes and rocked back and forth slowly, teasing himself but unable to stop. "We do have to talk."

His voice was raspy. Lisanna shivered and it had nothing to do with the cold wall at her back. Her head felt almost dead. "After, okay?" She arched into him.

Bickslow grunted and pulled her a little closer. After. After. After. But there would always be an after. You have to do it now, otherwise you'll just keep putting it off… He kissed her jaw. "Nah uh. Has to be now." Nails dug into his back and her hips shimmied, scattering his thoughts. Fuck. He pushed harder against her. Lisanna whimpered and spread her legs wider for him. Innocent my ass. He bit her shoulder hard. "Stop for a second." Get some space. He forced himself to back off an inch.

Lisanna cracked an eye. "What?" What could possibly be so damn important?

Bickslow was shocked by the venom in her voice, but held on to it, it was good, it helped clear his head. Start talking, before she decides that you should continue. Drawing away a second time wouldn't be nearly as easy. Just thinking about it killed him inside. You shouldn't have gotten into the damn shower with her. it would have been easier to keep it together if you had just exercised some goddamn control and stayed the hell away. But she looked so good, wet with water, pale and pink and silver and blue. As soon as he saw her, he knew that whatever good intent he had brandished coming in there, it was dead in the water.

Seeing his obvious tumult, Lisanna made herself stop rocking her hips. "What is it?"

Bickslow looked relieved, though he didn't set her leg down and he didn't inch away any further. He rested against her opening and was absolutely (almost) satisfied for it. The only thing that would make it better would be to lift up her other leg, pin her against the wall and listen to the way she scre—

"Bickslow," Lisanna called him back to himself when he was about to do just that. "What?"

Talk. He let out a breath and blurted while he could, "Who was in your room with you last night?"

"What?"

"Last night. Who—or what—was in here with you?"

"What do you mean?" His words gave her chills. She tried to think, but… nothing. Was there someone else? Did I ask some stranger into my room? Gods…

Bickslow shook his head. "Remember last night, when I said something was following you?" His erection was slowly dying. Good. Focus.

She pressed her palms flat against his back. His muscles worked under her hands while he slowly dropped her leg back to the bottom of the tub. She expected him to move back, but he stayed almost unbearably close while he waited for her answer.

"Hey," he prodded when she was silent. "Right? Remember?"

Behind Gruff's, the alley… flashing lights. A tabby cat. With piercing amber eyes. There's something in this town. It's here for devils. "N—no."

His stomach sank. "If you're going to lie to me, Lisanna, at least make it convincing."

She finally took her arms from around his neck and crossed them over her breasts, feeling exposed and self-conscious. "I'm not lying." Mostly, anyway. "I don't really remember anything…"

"Unbelievable." He almost started reaming her out then and there, but she looked so adrift, as if wondering if she should be ashamed or scared or some other complex emotion he didn't quite understand. Anger and manic delight. That was his emotional extent. That's it. That's all. Or so he told himself.

"I—I was drinking." And then there was the Magicfire. She hadn't had any, not directly, but that brief contact was enough to mess with her head. It was potent stuff. "My memory is all messed up."

He almost believed her. Almost. "Tell me about the box."

Her breath snagged. "T-the box?" Secret. Rene flitted through her mind. Keep it secret.

Bickslow caught the panic that rushed behind her eyes. "Lisanna, don't fuck with me. What is it?"

"I'm not fucking with you." Suddenly, she didn't want to have this conversation anymore. She didn't want to be trapped in this little shower, either. "Excuse me." She wasn't finished washing, not even close, but she was certainly finished in there.

Bickslow grabbed her arm and held her tight; she was making him nervous. "No. Tell me what it is, Lisanna."

"I—" The truth popped out. "I can't."

"Can't, or won't?" he pressed.

Lisanna shivered and looked away. Both.

Bickslow ground his teeth together. "Look at me." Are you really going to?

Her eyes darted in his direction. He caught them in his gaze and held her there; then waffled. Give her a chance before you fuck everything up. "Tell me."

I can't. I can't. I can't. Even thinking about it… it made her head hurt, her stomach sick, and her heart throb hard. "Let go of me-"

"I will, as soon as you tell me what it is." She looked on the verge of collapse. His remaining erection completely withered with the onslaught of anxiety and apprehension. He reached for his magic, just in case. You shouldn't. No, he shouldn't, but this wasn'tsomething she should lie about.

Lisanna felt the building magic and balked. "Let go of me."

"Tell me what it is—"

"I told you, I don't know!"

Her outburst left him momentarily speechless. He recovered quickly. "Fine. You don't know what it is. Fine." Fine? Really? Not fine. Where did it come from? But she wasn't going to tell him. He beat back another wave of anxiety. "If you won't tell me what it is, then tell me where it is, Lisanna." He'd figure it out himself.

He can't have it. She felt close to panic. With a grunt, she tore her arm out of his hand. "Get out."

No. Bickslow caught her eye again and reached out with his magic just enough that she stayed put and didn't race off like she wanted to. She's going to hate you. But she was already on the verge of that anyway. This is more important. Right? Just make her go get it.

Lisanna quivered, a mouse stuck in glue. She wanted to retaliate, she wanted to wrap her arms around her middle, she wanted to scream and she wanted to cry. Most of all, she wanted to hit Bickslow hard enough that he saw stars.

Bickslow saw the terror in her eye and was hit with a wall of shame. He released his magic. "Lisanna," She looked at him exactly as he expected, full of hate and mistrust. "—I didn't mean to." Then the biggest lie of all. "I wouldn't have made you do anything—"

Reeling away, she stumbled out of the bathtub. As soon as her foot met the cream-coloured tiles, she teetered and almost went down, but then recovered rather ungracefully. Instead of screaming in frustration, she grabbed up her towel and focused on wrapping it around her body, using it both as a shield and as a means to hide her shaking hands.

Bickslow opened his mouth to spit out some other words that might trick her into thinking he was actually a kinder person than he was, but in the end, he decided that it really didn't matter exactly what she thought. The lie felt almost right.

"Get out right now."

She means it. His palms pricked, sweat dotted his brow. Can't you make it better? Yeah, by getting out of her face. One more towel sat on the rack. He grabbed it and wrapped it around his waist. After that, he had every intention of leaving, but his mouth was a traitor. "Whatever it is, it's poison. I've felt the magic coming from it, Lisanna."

"You don't know what the hell you're talking about." She wouldn't meet his eye, not anymore, but she didn't have to, her anger was a palpable thing. It fed his own.

"You're getting in over your head."

She felt wild. "Get out, Bickslow, or I swear—"

"That what?" he challenged. "You're going to put on your kitten suit and cute me to death? Tell me where the fucking box is right now, before it's too late—"

In the mirror, Bickslow watched Lisanna's mouth flattened dangerously.

Is this how far you have to push to see her angry? Evidently.

Lisanna reeled and pushed him hard. He was almost immovable, but she had fury behind her. The backs of his knees hit the rim of the tub and he almost fell in. She was glad. "Yeah, maybe I will." More than ever, she wished she had impressive magic like Mira. She'd kick his ass so badly, he'd never, ever dream about trying to bully her again.

She looked close to tears. Bickslow dragged in a haggard breath. You're being crazy. Absolutely out of your mind. Finding this thing isn't worth her hating you. Too late—he thought that ship had long since sailed. Just… stop. And apologize. Damage control. "Lisanna—I only want to help."

His words washed over her, but never sank in.

"I didn't mean—the magic and stuff was shitty—sorry." Apologizing wasn't something that came easily or naturally to him.

"You know what else was shitty? That apology. Weak. Get out." She pushed him again.

This time Bickslow stooped, grabbed his clothes and moved out of the washroom. With shower water still streaming down his chest, he left her hotel room. Out in the hallway it was cold. He turned around one more time to try to smooth things over, but before he could get a word out, Lisanna slammed her door loudly, blocking him out. Good going. He had a sudden and violent urge to kick her door. He refrained.

Padding across the hall in his bare feet, he tried his own room. It was locked from the inside. Cursing fluently, he jiggled the handle in vain. A door opened down the hall and Laxus came out. He looked at Bickslow with raised brows.

"Rough night?"

The seith mage thought about telling him to go fuck himself, but he did value his life. Instead of replying, he summoned his spirits and used them to blast through the door. Add that to the list of things he needed repaired. "Fucking Lisanna," he cursed under his breath. Maybe he'd make her pay for it all.

Without waiting to hear what Laxus had to say on the matter, he pushed into his room and forced the door closed. It was a pathetic attempt—it hung askew on the door frame and there was a giant hole in its splintered wood that anyone could see through, but he was too annoyed to care.


Lisanna swallowed thickly. Her room was a mess. The shower still pounded against the metal tub. Her head still felt foggy. I can't believe… so many things. She'd had sex with him, then, in the same hour, decided that she hated him.

"All over a bloody box." Where is it? She crossed the room and went to her bed. The last place she remembered it was…

I left it where you rest. Rene's voice slammed through her, vivid and distant, though how could it possibly be both? Was he here last night? That felt right, but her mind was blank.

Lisanna grabbed her pillow and edged it down. Lo and behold… The box sat primly on her mattress, looking almost gleeful, if an inanimate object could possibly have an emotion. You're… supposed to give it to Mira. Her heart almost stopped.

No. For so many reasons. It was dangerous, it was a secret, and it was hers. She clutched it in her hand, hard enough that the metal corners dug into her skin. This isn't a secret you should keep. But she couldn't even imagine what she'd say, who she'd say it to, or how she'd say it. In the end, she tucked it back under her pillow, shut off the water, then found a short yellow dress to put on. Its purpose was to draw eyes to her skin, though she only wanted one man looking at her, and not because she really wanted his attention—however, it had been nice—she wanted to make him want, and only because she was feeling scorned and petty about it.

She was just smoothing her hair and fixing her bangs when a sharp knock sounded at her door. She stiffened, thinking maybe it was Mira (give her the secret) or Bickslow (why not forgive him?) or maybe her brother come to check on her.

Tentatively, she crossed the room and stood on tiptoe so she could look out of the peep hole. A telltale flash of red told her it was neither of those previous options. She fiddled with the lock with hasty fingers until it finally slipped open. Seconds later, she pulled back the door and revealed a sultry looking Pepper.

"Hey, Lissy." She smiled, but there was a shadow behind her eyes.

"Pepper—how did you find me?" She was sort of happy to see the girl, it would help her not think about Bickslow.

"Port Gale isn't that big—there're only so many hotels. All I had to do was ask which one took in a cute girl lately. And I'm friends with Ibom downstairs." When Lisanna looked at her blankly, she smiled and said, "The clerk. He told me which room was yours. So, you gonna let me in, or what?"

Lisanna stepped back and motioned her inside. From down the hall, Mira materialized. She saw the back of Pepper's head, frowned, then caught Lisanna looking and smoothed her expression. Though she did look morbidly curious. She's wondering if you're messing around with her. She's wondering if you're really serious about this.

Are you?

She quite literally slammed the door on the idea, shutting out both her thoughts and Mira. It was too much to think about when she only wanted to numb her churning mind.

Pepper did a once over of her messy room and fixed her eyes on the bed. She nudged Lisanna's arm playfully, a light coming into her eye. "Who'd you have in here, eh?"

"Why would you ask that?" Her voice was several octaves higher.

"Sex bed. It's a thing. So who was it?"

Lisanna scowled, both miffed that everyone seemed to know her secrets just by proximity—was she so transparent? —and annoyed that Pepper asked. Was there no such thing as privacy anymore? "No one worth talking about."

Pepper was dogged. "The guy from last night?"

Lisanna gnawed on her tongue. Just answer her and maybe she'll move on. "The same."

Pepper wasn't so interested in letting it go. "I didn't know you had a boyfriend. Was he mad about Macon?"

"I—I don't," she said. "He's just this guy—"

"That you slept with."

Lisanna clenched her hands into fists at her side. "People have sex all of the time. All. Of. The. Time. It's not a big deal."

Pepper started pulling at her fluffy black coat. "Hm. So it didn't go well?"

"Why would you say that?"

The redhead reached out and touched her cheek with a cool hand. "Because you're upset."

She hated that Pepper could read her so well.

Pepper continued. "That's such a shame when the sex is disappointing."

The takeover mage's ears burned. "It was fine—good." Fantastic and harrowing and hollowing. She clutched her arms around her ribs.

One copper brow lifted into the air incredulously, but the interrogation ceased. Crossing the room, she let her coat slide over her shoulders and threw it over Lisanna's wooden chair. Underneath, she wore her server's uniform: a tight blue dress that dipped into a V so Lisanna could just see the tops of her breasts when she turned and flopped herself down on the mattress. "After you left last night, they closed Gruff's."

"Why?"

Pepper puffed out her cheeks. "They found Bernie in the washroom—he was dead."

The way she said it, so straight-faced, gave Lisanna the chills. She remembered the guy rubbing against her… "How?"

"No one's saying, which means it was probably suicide," she said offhandedly. "Bernie was a bit of a waste. Had a lot of problems, you know?"

Lisanna grabbed the bottom of her dress and tugged it tight.

"Don't worry about it, Sugarsnap. I didn't come here to bug you about that stuff. I actually wanted to say sorry about what happened behind the bar. Things got kind of crazy."

Lisanna threaded her fingers together behind her back and closed the distance between them. Forget about Bernie. It was easier than she thought possible—the man was almost nothing to her, just some guy she met in passing. He's dead. But it wasn't her fault. Her legs felt like jelly and her tongue like lead. Get over it. "It's okay."

Pepper shook her head. "It's not really. I know you're not that kind of girl. I'm sorry for making you feel like you had to participate, and Macon is an asshole, and Ant… I don't know. I get kind of stupid around him, you know?"

Doesn't that sound familiar? Yeah. "I know."

Pepper smiled and joked, "I still want to be soul mates." Then, more seriously, she said, "I promise not to do Magicfire around you again."

Lisanna looked into Pepper's blue eyes and felt a tiny piece of herself die. "I was having fun. If Bickslow hadn't shown up… I might have even tried some." Liar, liar, liar. Just thinking about doing it made her heart feel like it was going to explode.

Pepper laughed and went rooting through her purse for a pink and blue polka dot case. "Yeah? Come on, then. Let's have some fun."

Lisanna's mouth went as dry as cotton. "R-right now?"

Pepper smirked. "I knew you were a filthy, dirty liar. You don't have to pretend for me, Lisanna."

She bit her cheek hard, feeling stupid for allowing her bluff to be called. Idiot. Then she hardened her resolve. "Whatever, let's do it."

Pepper was about to fluff her off again when she looked up into Lisanna's eyes. "For real?"

"Yeah." It came out just a touch too high. Shut up. Shut up. You can do this. It's not the end of the world. In fact, it's not even a big deal.

Pepper shrugged. "I have to be at work in an hour, but… yeah, sure. If it's what you want."

Lisanna nodded because she felt like if she opened her mouth, she'd say something stupid.

Pepper patted the bed next to her. Lisanna moved over stiffly and sat, crossing one leg under her body and weaving her fingers together in her lap. Pepper smiled and reached up so she could push Lisanna's bangs back from her forehead. "You're such a good girl, Lisanna."

"Everyone is always saying that."

"It makes you sad?" Her blue eyes seemed bottomless in that moment. Lisanna stared into them and realized how easy it was to get lost.

"I don't want to be a good girl anymore." It hadn't done anything for her, except ensure that she was too afraid to do anything fun. "What's Magicfire like?"

"Like being drunk and happy and walking through the stars. It's the best and worst thing you'll ever, ever do," Pepper said lowly. "The best because it's so amazing. The worst, because nothing else will ever, ever compare." She pushed back a piece of Lisanna's hair and cupped her cheek.

Lisanna breathed out unevenly. She was nervous, but it was easier with Pepper there. The girl took her hand away so she could pull out a tiny white pill from the case. It looked like a craterless moon, perfectly round and perfectly white. "You want to share one? That way it won't be too much for you."

Lisanna thought about asking for her own, but then reason trickled through. "Yes."

Pepper smiled, then dropped it on her tongue. Lisanna was about to protest, but then she leaned forward and captured her mouth in a slow, lazy kiss. Lisanna's tongue went numb. Then her body.