Ok! So YAY! New computer is up and running. I am loving it although Office 2013 is MUCH different from 2007, it is taking some getting used to lol. But I can't say how happy I am to be back writing!

The song for this is Until You're Mine by Demi Lovato. The You Tube link is watch?v=0tWbLwbLPQw

Now, on to the reading!

Chapter 14 – Until You're Mine

"My state of mind has finally got the best of me"

Lucy flinched as a ball of paper hit her forehead but she didn't look up. Instead, she adjusted the gale-force reading glasses that had slipped down her nose and kept reading. She'd managed to make it through the first of the two books Loke had brought and was close to finishing the second. She'd been reading non-stop since she'd returned from the guildhall yesterday. Levy had offered to help but she needed to do this for herself. It was the one thing that kept her mind focused now otherwise she'd be wallowing in the pain of his rejection. Reading was keeping her numb to the pull to be at his side.

Her hand snapped up, catching another ball of paper and she pulled her glasses off to glare across the room. "Natsu! Could you be less…I don't know…annoying?"

The dragon slayer in question stuck out his bottom lip in a pout and he nudged the giggling blue exceed next to him. "Sorry Lucy, just you've had your nose stuck in that book since I got here and didn't think you'd even noticed."

She sighed and snapped the book closed. It was getting redundant, basically all saying the same thing with only minor changes in details. Neither seemed to lend her any more info than she'd been given from Loke, Levy and Lisanna. She looked at her bed to see it littered with little balls of paper and her lips pulled down into a frown. There were a couple of dozen scattered about, most of them she couldn't remember them having hit her. "No ash breath, I'm sorry. I haven't been a very good host, where's everyone else?"

He smiled and gestured towards the door. "They went downstairs. I think Erza was running out for lunch…" He paused and reached up to scratch his head as his stomach growled. "Or cake for her, I don't really remember."

Lucy laughed and picked up one of the many paper balls scattered, tossing it at him only to have him set it on fire before it reached his mouth. She shook her head as he caught it between his teeth and swallowed the flame with a satisfied hum in appreciation. "How about I take a break and find out. I can cook lunch for everyone…" She paused, a finger coming up to her tap on her chin and mentally visualized her cupboard and fridge. "Yea, I should have enough. I think."

Happy looked up at Natsu when another tap rattled his head and nodded in silent agreement. "How about I go find out where she went?" He suggested as he lifted from the floor and flew out of the door before an answer could be given.

The celestial mage quirked a brow as the exceed vacated the room rather quickly and looked back at Natsu with a questioning look. "Ok, either he's really hungry or he's up to something," she chuckled.

The pink haired boy chuckled a little nervously before his face fell oddly somber. He had sent the cat out because he wanted to speak to Lucy alone. He hadn't really had a chance to talk to her yet about everything and he was worried. Igneel had told him countless times what would happen if he rejected his mate or did not complete the process once it was started. He didn't want that for anyone, but especially not his Lucy. "Well…I…uh, um. Well you know I'm not always the brightest guy around, I mean Loke is way smarter and seems to know as much as I do but…"

The blonde tilted her head for a moment as she studied him. He was never one to stutter unless he was nervous about something. She sighed as she leaned back against the headboard and patted the bed next to her, cutting him off. "Natsu, come on…it's me you're talking to. So just say what's on your mind."

He pushed up from the bean bag chair he was sitting on and came to sit on the bed, facing her. He could see the slightest hint of dark circles starting to form under her eyes and he frowned. That could only mean she hadn't slept the last two nights. "Well, I was wondering…well wondering…um…well what are you going to do?" He winced at his final words.

"What do you mean, what am I going to do?" She asked, looking at him rather confused.

He dropped his head and sighed. "About Laxus. About this," he said as he gestured to the books and to her. He hadn't missed the fact that she wasn't dressed like usual but instead had spent the last two days in yoga pants and a t-shirt with her hair pulled up into a messy bun. "About you."

"I need you next to me. I'll try to find a way that I could get to you"

She stared at him for a moment. She'd been so lost in absorbing every bit of information that she could get to try and understand it, him…she had not really been thinking about herself. She had accepted that she loves him, even at her angriest of moments. She had spoken the truth when she admitted that she had chosen him and still does. "I-I don't know."

Her admission was soft, barely audible to anyone else but he heard her loud and clear. He could smell the pain starting to set in. He wished he could take this from her and it made his heart ache to know he couldn't, not this time. "Well, what do you want to do?"

Her shoulders slumped at his question and she looked down at her hands folded in her lap. Her mind was running through all of her options and there wasn't many. She could leave but that would mean leaving her family, and him. Just the thought of Laxus made her want to run out the door and find him, she missed him already and it had only been 48 hours. She could stay and just accept his rejection and all the misery that she'd learned came with it. Or… "Fight for him."

Natsu gave her a small smile and nudged her leg with his knee. "I could fight him for you," He said before the worry crept back up onto his face. "But Luce, you know…we could find a way to break it, the mate link I mean. I know it's supposed to be permanent but with him being different…there could be a way."

Lucy had to smile at his concern and that he'd actually been putting thought into it. It was part of the reason she loved him, the reason she'd mistaken that love for something more. He had a huge heart and protected his nakama like they were family. She sighed and reached over to grab his hand, lacing her fingers with his. There was no spark like there was when she touched Laxus and that only solidified her resolve. "There isn't, I looked. Loke looked and honestly…that's ok."

The dragon slayer's brows dipped in confusion. "Why is that ok Luce? Him rejecting you and you becoming...well…not you, that's not ok. I'll set his ass on fire before I let that happen."

The mental image of Laxus' ass really being on fire tickled her and she laughed out loud. "While I just might take you up on that before this is all said and done…it's ok because I love him." She gave his hand a squeeze before letting go. "I didn't fight before, I just let…" She stopped herself from finishing that statement, realizing what she was going to say and who would hear it. "I just know he's the one I need to fight for."

Natsu's amber eyes fixed on her and he found himself smiling. He'd never told her or anyone else that in the years Lisanna had been missing, he'd found himself crushing on the celestial mage. He loved her with a fierce devotion but never had the balls to tell her, telling himself that she'd never have him because he wasn't as smart as her. He hadn't realized until Lisanna was returned to him from the dead that it had been fate stepping in. But Lucy, she'll always be special in his heart. She was his family and he'd protect what was his. "Then give him hell Luigi. He's a dragon slayer so it won't be easy…we're kind of stubborn." He paused, giving her a toothy grin. "But if there is anyone I know who can make his head spin then that's you."

Lucy smiled but furrowed her brows. "Are you calling me stubborn?" she queried with a chuckle.

"Come on you two! Food's here and Gajeel is already licking his chops!"

Erza's voice carried up the stairs into the room and Natsu pushed up from the bed when his stomach growled in response. He glanced at the door for a moment before bending down to kiss the top of Lucy's head. "Yes you're as stubborn as I am but was just saying you're good at making a guy's head spin so don't be different," he whispered against her hair before standing up and giving her wink. "Just be the Luce I know and you'll win."

The celestial mage's stared after his retreating back side, almost in shock. His maturity took her by surprise but even more so, the very meaning behind his parting comments floored her. Did he just…Did he mean…I made his head spin? She blinked a couple of times, processing his words and found herself smiling. They both loved each other, just not that way because they were fated for others.

"Lucy! Do NOT make me come up there!"

Erza's hidden threat pulled her from her thoughts and she for the first time in days, she smiled…truly smiled. Her best friend would always be that…her best friend and the dull ache in her chest didn't bother her. It was what was going to be the drive behind her fight. She pushed up from the bed and found her shoulders didn't feel as heavy as she made her way down the stairs. Laxus was her mate and she'd be damned if she was just going to let him waltz away. Don't know how yet but you're so going down Spark Plug.

"The world I see is perfect now, you're all around. With you I can breathe"

Lucy walked into the guild and instantly her smile faded, replaced by a pouty frown as she made her way up to the bar. For the last three days, she'd come to the guild hoping to see him there but he was always nowhere to be found. She'd learned from Gajeel over lunch that day that he and his team had basically been grounded to the guild for two weeks. At least gramps is trying but at this rate…he'll be gone and so will my chance. The thought only added to the growing ache in her chest and stomach. Every day away from him seemed to add a little more weight to the ache. She slumped onto the bar stool and had to fight the urge to slam her forehead into the wood bar top.

"Lucy! You're in early!"

The cheery sing-song voice broke through the fog of despair that was clouding her mind and she lifted her head to see the smiling face of the oldest Strauss. "Yea Mira…I was up early and just…well decided to come in for a smoothie," she smiled.

The takeover mage gave her a knowing look but nodded. She'd watched the girl come in day after day and stay for hours talking but had declined every invitation to go out on a mission that had come her way. She knew the blonde was really there with one thing in mind, to see Laxus but he came in early and kept to his office until he left at closing. The only people he allowed into his office was the thunder tribe, her and the master. "Let me get that for you," she said as she moved off to pour the one she had prepared just minutes before just for the girl's impending arrival. "So, any plans today?"

Lucy leaned to rest her chin on her hands as she watched Mira move about. "No, not really. I probably should work but…well…I haven't been sleeping so well so just not up for it." It wasn't completely a lie. She hadn't been sleeping too well, the bed too empty and thoughts of missing him kept her up until she just passed out from exhaustion. "Anything hap…"

"There's my girl! Lucy!"

The blonde celestial mage was cut off and turned to see Cana lean up to kiss Bickslow before making her way towards her, that stupid beer mug stuck to her hand as always. "Cana…isn't it a little too early for drinking?" It was a dumb question but seriously, it was only seven o'clock in the morning. Bickslow smiled in her direction and gave a small wave before going off to join Freed who had his nose in a book.

The brunette grinned and climbed up onto the stool next to the girl. "Never! You should know by now I go nowhere without my sippy cup," she chuckled before waving the empty mug at Mira. "Can I have a refill please my good woman? I'm kind of parched from the marathon session last night with Bicks." She gave Lucy a wiggle of her brows.

Mira set Lucy's smoothie down with a chuckle and grabbed the cup from Cana. "You know…" Her words cut off as movement by the doors caught her attention and she looked up to see Laxus standing there. She noticed right away that his eyes had locked onto the blonde in front of her and she said a silent prayer of thanks to Mavis. Finally!

"Until you're mine, I have to find a way to fill this hole inside"

Lucy shook her head with a small laugh that died off when she saw Mira looking past her with what could only be described as a shit eating smile. She narrowed her eyes and turned to see Cana also staring towards the front of the guild with the same eerie grin. "What the hell are you two…" She started as she turned but fell equally as silent as her eyes locked with the stormy blue eyes that haunted her dreams and thoughts. God I love him.

She drank in the sight of him. The way his black jeans clung in all the right places and the way his red shirt stretched over his muscular chest, molding to his abs like a second skin and clung to the contours of his thick arms. Just knowing he was in the same room gave her lungs the room to expand and she found she could actually breathe without it hurting. Her stomach knotted as she saw his lips twitch before he recovered himself, some part of him was happy to see her even if he was fighting it. That was all she needed to restore the resolve she'd set herself to.

Laxus had thought he caught a hint of her outside but had pushed it off thinking it was just his mind again. But the moment he pulled the doors open, he could smell her everywhere and his eyes searched, finding her sitting at the bar. The pull towards her that he'd been fighting for days knocked the breath from him when she turned to look at him. There was no denying the way the chocolate pool of her eyes lit up when she caught sight of him. He had to fight to keep from smiling as his eyes raked over her involuntarily, as if mentally performing a check list to make sure she was safe and ok. Her black shorts showed off unmarred long, smooth legs that disappeared into her black combat style boots. Her red fitted tank style crop top showed off her blemish free stomach, shoulders and arms. Her hair loose and free, falling in waves to frame her face and shoulders. The way it does when she lets it dry naturally after her shower.

He shook his head in attempt to ditch the want to touch her and forced himself to tear his gaze away from the vision she created. Instead, he focused on the stairs and forced one foot in front of the other. He was happy knowing she was ok, the sight and smell of her taking away some of the pain that had plagued him for days. You fucking moron, what the hell are you doing? The voice inside was screaming at him and the grins on the faces of those in the guild mocked him. He cast Bickslow a glare before he moved up the stairs, two steps at a time.

"Stupid stubborn man. He needs something to kick his ass into gear," Mira said as soon as he was gone from view. She rolled her eyes and smiled as she turned back to Lucy, the smile brightening when she noticed the color back in the girl's cheeks and the soft hint of a smile that played on her lips. The takeover mage narrowed her eyes in deviance as she glanced over at the brunette who sported the same mischievous grin.

Cana pursed her lips a moment before giving Mira a wink and tapping the celestial mage's shoulder. A plan was formulating in the drunk's head and for once it had nothing to do with sex, at least not for her. "Luce…how about we do a girl's night tonight? I am thinking maybe hit up one of the pubs here in town, drink and dance?" She paused to glance at the white-haired mage to see if she too was in and got a quick nod. "Come on…I am sure I can get the rest of the girls together."

"I can't survive without you here by my side"

Lucy tore her gaze away from the second floor and took a sip of her smooth as she pondered. She wasn't sure she'd be much company, night-time was becoming the worst for her. It's when missing him and the feeling of loss started to hit. She looked up between the two women and could see they were trying to help and the pout that the brunette managed to put on was working. Maybe it would help not being stuck at home alone.

She let out a sigh and chanced one more glance up at the second floor before giving a reluctant nod. "Ok…fine. But…no guys. I love them but…" She paused and glanced back to see if a certain Iron Dragon Slayer or ice mage had made it in yet. "Gaj and Gray have just been too over protective with everything going on." And it was true, Gajeel had taken to insisting that he and Levy walk her home in the evenings and Gray was stuck to her side when she was in the guild hall. She knew they meant well and were worried, the dragon slayer had said as much, but she just needed a chance to unwind without thinking about it.

The two women grinned at each other before Cana launched herself at the blonde, hugging her tight and jumping excitedly. "Deal! We are going to have so much fun and I promise, I will make sure the two knuckle heads know it's a girl's night out." She smiled as she pulled back and gave Mira a quick wink. "Now, I gotta go see if Bisca will take the bar tonight for Mira and get the other girls on board."

Lucy smiled at the woman's excitement and gave a nod. "Ok…I guess maybe I will go shop. I could always use something new to wear." She slid off the stool and hesitated a moment. "Ya know, I will tell Levy, maybe she will come shopping with me."

The two women gave the celestial mage a wave and watched her walk out of the guild. "Now what exactly are you planning Cana?" Mira asked as she leveled the woman with a keen eye.

The brunette grinned and picked up her mug before sliding off her stool. "Nothing too bad, I am just going to see if we can maybe force things a little." She gave the white-haired mage another wink. "And I am thinking Raijinshuu might just be able to help."

Mira watched the drunk make her way over to the thunder tribe's table with a smile, pride filling her heart. "I've taught her so well," she thought to herself. Finally she had other allies to work with when it came to matchmaking.

"Until you're mine, not gonna be even close to complete"

"Come on Lucy, I promise you look good!"

Lucy gave herself one more look in the mirror and sighed at Levy's insisting tone. She'd spent the morning shopping with her and Erza, having run into the red-head at one of the boutiques. She wouldn't say but they all knew her being in the lingerie section that she was shopping for something to wear for Jellal. The blush had been a dead giveaway. Lucy had thought it endearing but it saddened her to think that she may not ever get that chance to surprise Laxus that way. In the end she'd forced herself to buy something just to prove he would…one day.

She pulled some of her curled hair forward, having opted to curl her hair but left it down and ran her fingers over her swooped bangs to smooth them before turning from the mirror. She opened the bathroom door and walked out to stand in the middle of the room. "So?" She asked as she did a quick spin for the four women crammed into her room. They had all agreed to meet there because it was closer to the club that they had decided on.

Erza tilted her head a moment as she took in the blonde's attire, admiring the brown heeled ankle boots that she wore to match the brown belt that gave a waist line to what looked like a man's white dress shirt, the sleeves rolled up a little and the neck open to show just enough cleavage without too much. "Did you raid Gray's closet or did he just happen to leave that over?" She asked, almost jealous that she had not thought of stealing one of Jellal's shirts instead of opting for a simple black tank dress and red heels.

Cana let out a laugh at the requip mage's question. "No Erza, it's a dress made to look like that," she said before giving the celestial mage two thumbs up. "Perfect, just don't go bending over…that is short, sexy but short."

Lucy pulled nervously at the extremely short hem line that rode high on her thigh, she had to admit it was much shorter than her usual skirts. "Like you have room to talk! If those shorts were any shorter they'd be up around your waist!" It was true. The brunette had on a pair of high-waisted black shorts that stopped just under the girl's ass line and an inch in the front. But she had to admit she liked the look paired with the peach chiffon covered crop top. She looked over at Levy who had opted for a white halter style tank dress that sported an orange chevron pattern and heeled sandals. The blunette smiled and nodded. "You look great Lu, just ignore the drunk."

Mira shook her head and stood up, smoothing the front of her aqua blue sun dress. "Lucy you look beautiful, we all do but let's go. I don't get the night off too often so I want to enjoy."

The blonde let the women file out and followed behind, turning on a lamp in the living room before walking out and locking the door behind her. She stuck her keys in the pouch on her belt. She smiled as Cana looped an arm with hers as they began their trek to Artemis' Nighttime in Magnolia Tavern. The sound of cat calls and whistles made them all laugh and she lifted her free arm to wave at the men floating their way down the canal. 'Evening guys!"

"Looking good Miss Lucy…Ladies!"

The women giggled and Cana gave a nudge to the Lucy's side. "See, told you that you look good," she grinned. She was enjoying seeing her friend smile and prayed that it stayed that way when her little surprise dropped. She had been a little shocked when Freed and Bickslow seemed to jump at the plan in arranging a chance meeting. They confessed that the master had grounded them in hopes that Laxus would see sense but he'd been holding himself up inside of that damned office. Bicks had told her that Freed said the dragon slayer blamed himself for the mess and didn't feel good enough for Lucy. Sure he's an ass but a good ass and if anyone can handle him, it's her…they are perfect for each other.

Lucy listened to the women chatter as they walked along, glad for having taken a nap after shopping. It had been plagued as usual with dreams of him but today she'd found solace in the dream. She'd been able to crawl into his arms, breathe in the smell of him and like seeing him in the guild this morning, it seemed to recharge her spirits. She'd woken up determined that tomorrow, she would just force the issue. She would just go up to his office and make him listen to reason. And if the guild hall gets damaged in the process so be it but he's going to listen.

"Alone inside, I can only hear your voice. Ringing through the noise"

The group made it to the tavern and found the place oddly filled for a Wednesday night. Levy and Lucy made their way to the bar while Cana and the other two women went to snatch the only open table to be had. Lucy opted to buy the first round of drinks, ordering beer for all and Levy decided to be brave. She ordered them all a shot and smiled at the surprised celestial mage. "What? Gaj said to enjoy myself so…I am."

"Lucy? Oh my gosh Lucy!"

Both girls turned at the sound of the feminine voice to find themselves face to face with a certain sky blue haired celestial mage. "Yukino! What are you doing here?" Lucy exclaimed as she eagerly hugged the woman.

"Well we are here to see your master in the morning," Yukino replied as she pulled back, giving a smile to Levy who looked on in equal surprise.

The blonde looked around before puller her brows down in concern. "Is everything ok? And where…" She stopped herself as the blonde haired subject of her question walked up with his raven haired counterpart. "Never mind. Sting…Rogue." She gave them a friendly smile before looking back at Yukino.

Levy shifted a little uncomfortably at the new arrival, unsure how to take their presence. It wasn't that she disliked Yukino, she knew that the two celestial mages had formed a tight bond during the eclipse gate issue but the twin dragon slayers were another topic. She didn't care for them and only played nice for the guild's sake. The Master had specifically told them that despite the past, they were allies and were to welcome them as comrades. "Lu-chan, I am going to bring the drinks to the table," She said as she grabbed the tray from the bar. She forced a smile and gave a bow of her head before disappearing through the crowd.

Sting arched a brow as the blunette scurried away but shrugged it off as he slipped a protective arm around the celestial mage at his side and grinned. "So Blondie, what are you doing here?"

Lucy caught Rogue give a slight eye roll at the blonde dragon slayer and tried to hold back a laugh. "Uh…I live here oh wise he who wears women's shirts?" She had to bite her lip to keep her straight face in place as her comment had Yukino covering her mouth to stifle a laugh and the raven haired man's usual stoic face cracked a little when the corners of his mouth twitched, humor dancing in his usual veiled red eyes.

The blonde man sweat dropped and looked down at the half shirt he wore and frowned. It showed off his abs perfectly and he was sure he'd gotten it at a men's store. "What the hell does that mean Blondie?"

She gave a shrug of her shoulder and gave him a bland expression. "I am pretty sure I've got that same shirt in yellow but I can promise my chest looks better in it than yours."

Sting's jaw dropped and Yukino lost her battle as a loud laugh burst forth from her lips. "I…uh…oh whatever Blondie," he stumbled before shooting a pointed look at his lovely mate. "And you laugh? That's just mean baby."

Rogue bit the inside of his cheek and could not help but be impressed with the blonde celestial mage. It was not often someone left his partner speechless so it was a rare treat. "Sting I am sure your pride will survive," he said blandly before addressing Lucy, suddenly taking note of a change in her scent from the last time they'd met. He pushed it off without much thought. "To answer your question earlier, everything is fine. We just have a private matter to discuss with your master. We arrived late this evening and thought it best to wait until tomorrow morning."

Lucy silently gave herself a hash mark, 1 Lucy and 0 Sting, for getting his cocky ass back for all the teasing he's done when they've seen each other since their forged friendship after…she cut her thoughts off as she regarded the raven haired dragon slayer. At one time he scared her but she'd come to see it was a future that neither of them wanted to happen. "Ah, ok well a bunch of us girls are over there at a table if you guys want to join. It is a girl's night out but you are all welcomed to join," she paused and gestured towards Sting with a grin. "Given he's dressed for the occasion."

Sting cut her a glare and opened his mouth to speak but was cut off when Yukino leaned up to rub her nose against his cheek. His anger abated at the touch and he kissed the top of his mate's head. He silently vowed he'd get the woman back, friend or not. His childish immaturity just wouldn't let it go as easily. "Fine…lead the way Blondie but you do realize paybacks are a bitch."

Lucy just gave him an innocent smile. "I have no clue what you mean." She said before slipping past them to lead them to the table.

"About damned time," Cana yelled when she caught sight of the blonde celestial mage but her smile fell when she saw who was following her.

The two oldest women stiffened at the appearance of the twin dragon slayers and Lucy gave them all a smile, holding up a hand. "It's cool, they are in town to talk to Gramps. I invited them over so be nice."

Mira looked over at Cana, giving her a worried frown. They knew the guys would be here at any time and this was not going to bode well. She leaned over to whisper in the brunette's eat but stopped when she heard her gasp. She pulled back and looked up to seeing an angry-looking Laxus and Gajeel, a shocked Freed and Bickslow, and a hooded Jellal.

"Wanted something out of reach. It's killing me, you're all I see, yeah"

Laxus was pretty sure he would much have rather just stay home but no, he'd been bombarded by Raijinshuu about going out. The girls were all having a sleep over at Lucy's so the lot of them begged him to join them for a night of drinking. "It's stupid, I could drink just as well at the house," he thought as they drew closer to the tavern. He wasn't in the mood for a crowd or the drunken stupidity of his male friends, especially not after his nap that had done nothing for him being tired. He couldn't escape her even in sleep and seeing her today, knowing he wanted to touch her so bad it killed him.

"Dude would you just chill the fuck out already?" Gajeel said as he dropped back to match Laxus' stride. He could smell the sour mood on his fellow dragon slayer and knew its origin. Shrimp had told him that he and Bunny had a run in at the guild this morning. He could only shake his head at the stubborn streak, understanding it but not liking it. It only spelled disaster for his adopted little sister so when the thunder tribe had told him Cana's plan, he had begrudgingly agreed to come along…for her. "You know…" His words cut off as his nose dissected the smells that hit him at once, one distinct smell bothering him the most. "Rogue."

The lightning dragon slayer paused at the same time, his brain processing the same info and he glanced down at Gajeel in confusion. His brain told him there was no reason for the twins to be here so it could only mean trouble. He picked up his stride, moving past the three men in front of him with the iron dragon slayer hot on his heels. The moment he pulled the door open his heart dropped as soon as an all too familiar voice reached him. He moved inside and scanned, following his ears and nose until it landed on the small blonde woman standing next to the Sabertooth trio. "What the hell are you doing here?"

"Until you're mine, I have to find A way to fill this hole inside…Until you're mine, not gonna be even close to complete"

Lucy heard the voice and froze, knowing by the shiver that ran up her spine that it belonged to Laxus and she silently cursed under her breath. Seriously fate? I hate you. She forced herself to turn, her eyes traveling over the group. She took note of the angry look on Gajeel's face and sighed. Fuck he wasn't supposed to be here, this could go south and quick. Her eyes finally came to rest on Laxus and recognized the same rage from the night of the party brimming right below the surface. Yep, definitely south because he is going to flip and we'll all die but fuck me he looks good. "Hey! Guys…um…look who came to visit." She said, instantly wanting to kick herself for that awesome intro but wanted to defuse the situation.

The twin dragon slayers turned in unison and their hands came up defensively. Rogue tore his crimson eyes from the angry iron dragon slayer the moment the smell of lightning caught in his nose and it clicked. That's what I smelled earlier on her, this isn't good. Sting growled beside him and he put a hand on the blonde's shoulder. "Yukino…your mate," he said cautiously before he slowly moved to step in front of them. "We are not here to fight. We came to Magnolia to see your Master."

Laxus' eyes focused on his celestial mage and could smell the fear coming from her, could see it mixed with the same light from earlier in her eyes. Part of him wanted to kiss her for her stupid fucking mouth and the fact that she wasn't wearing much more than a damned shirt. The other part wanted to rip the shadow dragon to pieces just for being too close when she had that much exposed. He felt a nudge to his side and looked down to see Gajeel giving him a shake of his head. And this is why I don't need to be anywhere around her. "What for?" He said, pushing down his thoughts as he turned his attention to Rogue.

Rogue glanced back at Sting who gave him a nod of his head before he turned his attention to the lightning dragon slayer. The info they had to share wasn't for common knowledge yet but seeing as how he was face to face with the enraged grandson of the current master, it was best to divulge if it mean avoiding a fight. He'd been made all too aware of how over protective a new mate was with Sting. They'd tied into it early on in the mate process and it was a scene he'd rather not repeat. He still held scars from the last one. "Can we speak outside?"

The tall blonde gave a nod of his head and glanced at Gajeel, silently motioning for him to follow along. He didn't exactly trust the two dragon slayers so it could very well be an ambush. He stepped aside to let the two men exit first, groaning when the younger blonde kissed the blue haired celestial mage. "Come on if you want to talk," he said, taking once last glance at Lucy before heading out the doors. He'd deal with her once this was over.

"Just stop wondering if we were meant to be"

Lucy let go of the breath she didn't realize she'd been holding when the four dragon slayers exited and turned to glare at the women with her. She cut her eyes as Bicks, Freed and Jellal moved to stand with their respective women. "What the hell? Who planned this and don't tell me it's by fucking accident you guys showed up." Anger practically dripped from her words and everyone hurriedly pointed to Cana.

The drunk looked at her companions and sighed in frustration. Of course they'd sell her out, leaving her to face the brunt of the celestial mage's anger. She hadn't thought it was a bad idea but leave it to damned luck to drop a bad wrench in good laid plans. "Luce…I can explain but seriously I only did it for your own good."

Mira felt bad for sticking the drunk out, knowing it wasn't entirely her fault. "Lucy please don't be too mad. She meant…well…we all meant well. It was to get through to the stupid oaf that is your man that he needs to wake up and…"

Lucy's hand came up, the dark aura surrounding her now starting to slowly disappear. She knew that they all meant well and no one could have for seen the Sabertooth trio showing up. But he was her problem to fix and this all could have ended in disaster. "Guys, I get it…you want to help but do you realize what could have happened?" She glanced over the group and sighed as their heads dropped in guilt. "I just…I don't know why he pushed me away but my gut tells me it had a lot to do with him all but attacking Gray. I saw the shame in his eyes before he ran, what if he'd attacked someone here tonight that isn't a mage?"

They all glanced at each other, tears pooling in their eyes. Not one of them had considered that, even without the other dragon slayers, what if it had been one of the town's people who had gotten too close. "Cosplayer…we…I'm sorry, you're right." Bicks said as he raised his head to look at her. "He's being an ass but he really is a good guy so you can't give up."

Yukino watched the group talk, feeling bad at first for seeming to have been part of something private. But the pieces started to fall into place and she moved to Lucy's side, a hand coming to rest on her arm. "You're his mate and he's fighting it?"

The blonde gave a nod and looked up to give the blunette a sad smile before addressing Bickslow. "I know he's a good man Bicks and I don't plan on giving up but…" She paused and glanced over at the door. "But he has to realize that. He's hurting and he's hurt me, only he can make this right."

The other celestial mage nodded with a sigh before looking at the rest of the group. "She's right. Sting fought against himself when he went through it and not even a fight where he almost killed his best friend got through to him." She paused and slipped an arm around her friend's shoulder, giving her a reassuring squeeze. "I stayed in his face the whole time but in the end, he had to accept that he was good enough for me."

"Forget about fate and just hold me. I'm ready to begin, the waiting has to end right now, today"

Lucy's ears twitched at her words and she looked up with furrowed brows. The woman being Sting's mate was not a shocker, she's seen their closeness but Laxus…He'd used similar words that night. He'd said she didn't understand how bad he was and told her to run. It's not me he's rejecting, it's himself. She opened her mouth to say something but stopped when the door opened and the group filed in. He entered last and everything made sense. He was still in the same red shirt and black jeans from earlier and they looked just as good now as they had then. Her mouth pulled up into a smile despite the tears that pricked her eyes. She needed to know why he doubted himself because she needed him to know that it didn't matter. He was hers and she wasn't letting go.

Laxus sighed as they turned to re-enter, the news the two brought wasn't good and if their theories were right, it could mean danger ahead. He glanced at Gajeel and saw the same concern but he shook his head. "Gramps needs to know before we say anything," he quietly told the man as they stepped inside. The iron dragon slayer nodded before making a bee line for his mate. He lifted his eyes to see Lucy smiling at him. If she's your mate then you need to keep her closer than normal until we figure this out. Rogue's words echoed in his head and the sudden fear that something could take her away set a sick feeling in the pit of his stomach.

He had been telling himself that he needed to protect her from him and he believed that with every fiber of who he was. But now, he needed to protect her more from the rest of the world. Before he could register what he was doing, his feet were moving towards her until their toes met. The vice on his chest let go, the hollow feeling evaporating as he saw the embers spark in her eyes. "I miss you." The sound of her voice set him ablaze and he felt a block fall away on the wall he'd been building. He brought his hands up to frame her face, his thumb brushing away the tear that slid down her cheek before he crushed her against him. I'll protect her with my life if that's what it takes.

"My state of mind has finally got the best of me, I need you next to me…"

Lucy watched him stride towards her and she felt her heart beating again as the smell of him pulled at her. He smelled exactly the way he had in her nap time dream. I miss you. She felt the tear slip at what she thought was a silent statement and could only lean into his touch when he brushed it away. She didn't know why he was here or what prompted the softening in his eyes in that moment, but she saw his resolve waiver. It was just enough to let her know she could win this, she could beat the demon that was keeping him from her. She stiffened when he pulled her against him but the moment his arms slipped around her, she latched onto him as if he might disappear. He's my home.

Gah! Natsu grew up and Laxus just MIGHT be starting to see some light lol.

I won't lie, the song was not my first choice but kind of hard to use a k-pop song lol. Not everyone listens or can understand but thought I would share the song none the less because it really does fit where Lucy is coming from. It is called It's Okay Even If It Hurts by SeoHyun:

Youtube is watch?v=sOSi0I_3EAc

While the English lyrics are on the screen, I will share the English translation too: 2010/06/25/seo-hyun-its-okay-even-if-it-hurts-english-translated-lyrics-kim-soo-ro-ost-part-1/

I have to give a huge thanks to GemNika and FallenRavenWing for all the help and suggestions. You ladies totally rock and this chapter would have been stuck longer if not for you. Kurohana806, thank you for being my driving force and haunting me…you are the bestest! TheLoneWhiteAndGreenWolf thank you and big hugs for being my beta! I love you all so much!

For all of you who have left reviews, suggestions and love…you guys have no clue how much it makes my day and keeps me inspired to write more. BIG HUGS!

Please continue to tell me your thoughts, ideas and reviews of the chapter!

Much love and kisses,

Princess Nana