"Lucy!" I waved to her as I approached, wearing a flowing long dress of midnight blue with a sweetheart neckline, smiling warmly as I took her hands in mine and kissed her cheek. "Congratulations on winning Lucy, I knew your book was excellent material!" I praised, smiling as she blushed, a little flushed from having a glass of champagne.

"Thanks, I was a little surprised that people actually liked it, I never even intended to publish it…" She admitted so I chuckled, pulling her into a warm embrace.

"You are far better than you think, Luce. In any case, I await the sequel with great anticipation." I winked at her as I pulled back. "And I already have several copies of your first book, would you mind signing them for me? I have several people who have asked for one and I'm donating a few to children's schools and libraries. I thought it only fair that everybody get a chance to read your novel." Lucy looked at me in alarm.

"What?! Sign? Wait, how many books did you buy?" I smiled guiltlessly.

"A few hundred or so."

"WHAT?!" Lucy wavered slightly, exhaling before she steadied herself. "Fae, you know I would have just given them to you, there was no need to buy them." She told me though she did blush a little as an afterthought. "Though that huge order did mean I was able to pay my rent for the next two months. So thank you, I guess."

"No worries. I'm glad to make such a good investment." I assured her, enjoying the festivities around us. The entire guild was here with Lucy, however they were still the rowdy bunch that they were back at the guild. It had been an entire year since that battle and I'd noticed a few small but rather dramatic changes.

Upon my order in the heat of battle, Levy and Gajeel had started dating, however just last week she had came rushing to my flat to tell me some exciting news. Considering that she and Gajeel were so close, I had gifted them the house that Levy and I used to share. I thought it better if they had their own place to themselves, so I moved out and bought a flat of my own on the same street as Lucy, so I was often at her place or she at mine.

"Fae!" Levy waved as Lucy was engaged in conversation with her ancestor, Anna. It had been such a strange story to hear, but I could tell in my heart that Lucy was glad to have someone of her own family alive and with her once more. Anna was the sweetest lady I had ever met and I enjoyed learning history from her as she had lived over four hundred years ago. "Fae, I just told Gajeel, he's fainted." She informed me and I looked to find Gajeel passed out on the ground, Levy barely unable to contain her laughter. "I had hoped he'd take the news a little better!"

"Men, so unreliable." I chuckled, wrapping my arm around her and embracing her gently, pressing my face into her hair as she hugged me back. "Don't worry, I'll help Lily move him so that he's out of the way." I assured her, grabbing Gajeel's arm as Lily grew to his full size and took the other to lift that metal headed lug over to a seat and sat him down. "Hey, wake up and look after your lady!" I ordered, splashing some water in his face but he was out cold. "Impressive. Levy, I believe you can now say that you have efficiently defeated Gajeel once and for all." She laughed.

"Well, he's going to have to come around eventually. I hope he's…not disappointed." She murmured, hand brushing against her stomach but I quickly caught her hand.

"He'll be overjoyed." I assured her. "Do not worry, he's just in shock. It's not everyday someone learns they're going to be a father." We smiled at one another as Lily balked.

"What?!" With a poof he returned to being small, staring in shock up at Levy who nodded her head. "You're...you're…and Gajeel…" Without warning Lily fell backwards, groaning as he too fainted. We both stared a moment before bursting out laughing, still holding hands. I reached down and picked Lily up, holding him in the cradle of my arm then reached out to the buffet table and pulled a kiwi from the fruit pile, wafting it under his nose.

His nose twitched and he sniffed, suddenly awake and he quickly grabbed the kiwi. "Hm! So tasty…" He sucked on it happily but then froze, looking over to Levy who smiled sweetly at him. Stuffing the kiwi into his mouth he stood up on my arm, pointing at her with his other paw at his waist. "My apologies, I do not know what came over me. Congratulations Levy, you have my word that I'll help you in whatever you need and I'll make sure Gajeel doesn't do anything stupid!" He vowed, making me chuckle.

"Lily, stupid and Gajeel go hand in hand. However, I'm sure the three of you will be able to keep him in check." I said with a gesture to Levy's stomach where the new life was beginning to grow. I was excited, though I remained calm. I think what I need right now is a big bowl of ice cream to celebrate, I haven't treated myself to ice cream in a long time and I feel that now is a perfect opportunity to indulge.

Leaving Levy and Lily to take care of Gajeel, I walked over to the dessert table and picked up the huge glass bowl of ice cream, taking it away with me though several other guests stared in awe as I began to devour it all to myself. The hundred different flavour scoops soon found their way into my stomach and I happily sat indulging, earning a few curious stares though everyone else in the guild laughed. "I wondered how long it would be before Fae found the ice cream tower." Wendy beamed, dancing with Carla.

Juvia was a little drunk and so Gray had to take her home, however I watched them as they left, Gray dragging her but I knew that his heartbeat was increasing slightly as Juvia had elected to strip of her top, making him a little uncomfortable and the redness on his cheeks was not unnoticed. It was only a matter of time before they finally became official. Gray had accepted her feelings, however Juvia had confided in me that he had not yet informed her of his own, but she was happy anyway and would be glad to simply stay the way they were without regret. I admired Juvia profoundly. She had not wavered in her feelings towards Gray even after all this time and after so much rebuke and rejection from him. She was truly an awe inspiring woman.

Soon enough I'd finished all of the ice cream and I sighed contently, replacing the bowl then went to a table to sit down, pouring myself a drink. Alcohol wasn't something I drank often, but seeing as it was a celebration I allowed myself one or two glasses of champagne. It did not affect me as much as it did the others, so I was able to pace myself.

I hiccupped, feeling a little warm in the cheeks as I poured myself another drink. This was delicious! I could drink this all night. "Steady, how many have you had?" A voice asked and I blinked, squinting slightly as I looked up before I finally realised it was Laxus standing there.

"I'm fine." I assured him, giving a smile. "Don't be a stick in the mud! We're here to celebrate! Here, have some too, it's very good." I invited, grabbing a glass and held it out to him as I beamed. "Come, toast with me!" I didn't notice that my words were slurring a little, however as Laxus reluctantly took the glass, he looked at it.

"You realise this isn't champagne, right?" He questioned and I stopped, eyes going doe like and innocent.

"It's not?"

"No, this is a cocktail. A strong one too. How many have you had?" I thought for a moment before counting them on my finger.

"Fwour!" I giggled, showing him four fingers before I hiccupped again. Before I could drink Laxus removed the glass from my hand and replaced it with one of water, however I hardly noticed and guzzled it down regardless. "Isn't Luce…such a cwever…little girl?" I hiccupped a few more times but brushed it off. I'm fine, I must have just ingested that ice cream a little too quickly. "I feel…so pwoud!"

"Drink some more of this, you'll feel better if you just sit down for a minute." Laxus sighed, giving me more water however I wavered on my feet, blinking before I began to tip backwards, losing my entire sense of balance. "Crap!" His hands caught my shoulders and held me up, however he quickly made me sit down so that I didn't lose my balance again. "I'll go get someone to look after you." He muttered but I quickly grabbed his sleeve, making him halt.

"No! Stay with me…" I pleaded, my voice sounding like that of a child as I blinked imploringly up at him. "Pwease?" Laxus gulped, his cheeks blushing slightly as he quickly looked away, a little lost as to what to do. Suddenly I pulled him down with a firm tug, kneeling up on my chair as I brought his face down to mine, staring intently into his eyes as alarm showed on his features a little more prominently. "You have such pwetty eyes…" I mused before letting him go and smiling broadly. "I never noticed before!"

"Uh…" He cleared his throat, standing back up and covered his mouth with his hand, unable to look me in the eye.

"My oh my, having a little private party are we?" I heard Evergreen question and I turned around to greet her, waving and smiling.

"Ever! Come join us! Fweed, Bickslow, we have lots of dwink, come!" I invited them and they all approached, taking their seats though Evergreen continued to chuckle in amusement, fanning her face softly with her fan before snapping it shut, eyes flitting between myself and Laxus as I clumsily poured a drink for everyone. My attention and focus had returned and I didn't feel so light, but my accuracy was still a little off.

"Are you drunk?" Freed questioned me, arching an eyebrow in surprise as I leaned over the table to hand out the drinks.

"Of course not!" I laughed, sinking back into my seat, my smile continuing to remain bright and innocent on my face. "Don't be silly."

"I see you have Laxus blushing like a little schoolboy, what on earth did you do to him?" Ever asked and I blinked, looking around. Laxus had turned away and was speaking to his grandfather, Makarov, who now had to use a wheelchair as he'd never regained the use of his legs after the battle. I was a little confused, what did she mean?

"Nothing that I am aware of." I answered, turning back to face them. "What do you mean?" Bickslow and Ever laughed whilst Freed merely smiled gently.

"Lady, Laxus has had a major crush on you for like, years!" Bickslow revealed, making me jump in alarm. He was joking, right? "At first he couldn't stand you, called you an annoying little brat and was pissed off that you hit him with a cup." I blinked, remembering my first encounter with Laxus all that time ago. Had it really been so long? How time flies.

"But after you stood up to him when that metal head Gajeel joined, we could tell that you'd made an impression." Ever revealed, making me sit back in my seat, slightly floored by this revelation. I had had no idea all this time. Surely he does not still harbour such feelings?

"Eventually we managed to make him admit his feelings, we are after all his closest friends and companions." Freed said with a hint of pride in his voice, though not unkind. "We would often tease him for it, but it never seemed to bother him." A hand jumped to my mouth, stomach knotting tightly. I feel a little ill.

"But…but that was a long time ago, correct?" I reasoned with them. "And so much has happened in between…and we hardly speak to one another!" Heat gathered at my cheeks so I quickly downed another drink to try and cool down a little. This news was remarkable and quite unexpected. I had never even had a single suspicion, Laxus was obviously a master of control and at keeping his feelings hidden, even my sharp senses had not picked up on a slightest change, though perhaps this was because I was not paying attention.

Looking down I gently hugged my arms, red faced and a little tipsy. I remember how he'd been the one to carry me when I was wounded on Tenrou island, he'd carried me several times and I was reminded of how gentle that had been, warm too. I blushed more deeply before getting some more drink. "Laxus is very good at keeping things to himself, he's not one for outwardly sharing his emotions but believe me, those emotions rarely change." Evergreen winked at me before rising to her feet, Bickslow and Freed getting up too. "Now, if you'd excuse us, my idiot of a fiancée is causing a ruckus." Fiancée? Oh that's right, Elfman had proposed to Evergreen, they were getting married around Christmas time.

Still dazed and dumfounded at their revelation, my heart began to increase its pace out of nervousness. Reaching forward I grabbed another drink, consuming it all at once before I tried to stand up and…I don't know what. Perhaps I should go home? My head was starting to spin and my legs wouldn't stop shaking. The only reason I was able to stand was because I was gripping onto the chair tightly for balance.

Stumbling forwards I took a deep breath, trying to head to the exit however I tripped over the hem of my dress and fell forwards with a start, eyes widening as the floor rushed to meet me. A large hand gripped mine, effectively stopping my fall and pulled me back upright, arm curling under my stomach to help keep me upright. "I told you to stop drinking, now look at you." Laxus said, looking at me unimpressed, however as I lifted my head and looked at him with my flushed and heavy lidded expression, I saw his cheeks flush deeply and he hurriedly looked away.

"Laxus?" I questioned, head still spinning before I suddenly crashed, groaning as my vision went black but I could still just about comprehend what was happening. Laxus cursed, grabbing onto me properly and lifted me up, carrying me over to a bench where he sat me down.

"Damn it." He muttered and I heard a rustle before something large and heavy was draped over my shoulders and pulled around me to keep me warm. "I warned you not to drink that stuff, now look at you." A soft finger brushed against my hair, moving it back from my face as I recovered for a little while, sitting in this cooler place and the chill refreshed me somewhat, though Laxus kindly got me a drink of water and held my head as he tilted it against my lips, helping me drink it.

"Hm…Laxus?" I blinked, slowly coming round before groaning. "I think I want to go home."

"Fine, I'll find someone to take you back, just wait here a moment." He ordered, however I stood up, disregarding his words but I felt my head spin again and I flinched. Alright, I guess I'll be staying a little while longer. Laxus quickly caught my shoulders, helping to support me as I stumbled forwards, blindly making my way to the exit. "Hey, you can't go wandering around the streets on your own drunk!" He tried to shake me a little but I merely hugged his jacket closer around me and started to walk a little unsteadily for the exit. Laxus followed after me, hands in his pockets and although he wasn't looking directly at me, I could feel he was paying close attention.

I left the party, stepping out onto the chillier streets and shivered involuntarily, walking aimlessly through the streets without a clue where I was and where I was going. Tripping over my dress for a second time I stumbled, rolling my ankle and I flinched, squeaking in pain as I dropped, however a warm light appeared in front of me as Laxus called out my name and caught my shoulder, helping me to stand as his other hand gripped my wrist.

My attention was stolen away from him, staring directly ahead as a familiar scent washed over me and eyes that used to steal my breath away locked onto us. "I can take her from here." Loke announced a little coldly, glaring at Laxus defensively as the lightning mage's grip strengthened on me slightly.

"What you doing here, Loke?" He asked in a stiff voice as I blinked, waking up a little.

"Get your hands off her, you don't deserve to even look at her." Loke growled, stepping forwards and fixing his sleeves, posture signalling he was not going to take no for an answer.

"So what? Like it matters to me what you think." Laxus answered and I frowned, blinking heavily in confusion.

"What…what's going on? Loke, why are you here? I haven't seen you in years…you…" I groaned, hand flying to my head as it began to throb painfully. Loke moved forwards to help but stopped when Laxus drew me back intentionally, opening the distance between us so Loke glowered hotly at him.

"Don't you remember? He attacked you when he tried to take over the guild. I never forgave him for that, he should get on his knees and beg you for forgiveness." I sniffed the air and blearily I registered a high level of defensiveness and male dominance, making me shiver slightly as my head continued to throb.

"That was…years ago…I've forgiven him, he wouldn't hurt me now…" I spoke a little incoherently but I forced myself to stand, stepping away from Laxus to approach Loke. "It's alright Loke."

"No it isn't!" He answered, making me flinch slightly at the raising of his voice. Ever since I had decided not to harbour feelings for him anymore, I had thought very little of Loke except in fondness of the memories and friendship we'd shared. Standing before him now, I was surprised by how unaffected he was by his presence. Time truly does heal. "I won't let him steal you, Fae, I owe it to you to protect you from men like him!"

"P-Protect me? Loke what are you…?" I tried to take another step but swayed, making Loke dart towards me however when Laxus also moved, he quickly growled and lashed out with his fist, glowing brightly like a ward.

"Stay back!"

"Loke!" I gasped, my mind snapping awake as I felt Loke wrap an arm around me, pulling me close.

"Stay away from her Laxus, I won't ask you again! Lucy may be my key holder, but Fae is my dearest friend who helped save my life! I've been a terrible friend in return, leaving her alone for many years just like you said, but I can't stand by and let someone like you threaten her!" He yelled, eyes gleaming dangerously as his grip tightened. "Getting her drunk to take advantage of her, it's disgusting!" Seeing the danger as Loke began to activate his Regulus power, I made a very rash and quick decision to stop him.

I reached up and kissed his cheek, curling my hand around his face and he froze in place, the pretty light which sparkled softly slowing so that it became our cloak for no more than a heartbeat before it began to dim and die away, returning us to the cover of night time. Once I could sense Loke was calm by the way he relaxed and his head bowed slightly, I pulled back but kept my hand against his cheek, smiling affectionately at him.

"It's alright, Loke, this is just a misunderstanding." I murmured to him, my other hand rising to rest on his shoulder as I tilted my head forwards and rested it against his jaw, letting him know that he had no need to worry for me. "Laxus wouldn't do such a thing, I drank too much at Lucy's party and although my head now feels like a herd of elephants are stampeding on my brain, I'm not so completely out of sorts that I can't make my way home. Laxus was just making sure no one troubled me along the way." I explained to him and Loke bowed his head a little further in guilt. "It is good to see you again, but there's no need to worry."

Slowly his arm snaked around my waist, resting gently on my hip before a smile appeared and he looked up, looking at me with that handsome face of his. "You look really beautiful tonight, Fae. Like an enchanting vision." I couldn't help but chuckle at his charm as he began to disappear. "My time's up, I better go now. Sorry I jumped to conclusions, I just wanted to protect you."

"I know." I assured him, stepping back from him as he returned to the spirit world, still smiling at me.

"Take care of yourself, princess."

"You too. Say hello to everyone for me." I requested and he nodded his head before finally disappearing, taking his warmth and scent with him. The danger now passed, I felt the drunkenness take over again so I groaned, slurring slightly as I rubbed my head. "I feel…like my head exploded…"

"Well that's your own fault." He snapped back at me, earning a distasteful look from me so he tusked, turning around and starting to walk away. "You're more trouble than you're worth so escort yourself home. I'm not some kind of babysitter." A spark of anger and hurt pride flared up inside me as I watched him leave, so I pulled off his jacket and flung it at him.

"Fine! Take your stupid jacket with you!" My words weren't as clear as I would have liked them to be but the desired effect was achieved. Laxus looked back as the jacket hit him in the face, covering his head as I turned and strode away without even looking back, walking with all the pride I could muster whilst still drunk, which wasn't much.

I found myself walking in a street I didn't recognise as my own, though with me being in the state I was in, I couldn't recognise anything. My vision throbbed in and out of focus. Several times I blacked out though I continued walking. Where on earth was I? This place is so confusing, why on earth was the street moving? Honestly, roads are supposed to be stable but this one is moving all over the place!

"Hey check it out, it's a chick!" A voice whispered loudly and I blinked, turning around to see a group of five men approaching me, grinning a little wickedly and in my confusion, I did not recognise the danger I was in until one of them grabbed me. "She's pretty, what's your name sweetheart?"

"Hey, isn't she from that guild we saw earlier? Is it a good idea to mess with a wizard?" One of them asked and I protested with weak mewling, trying to tug my wrist free but the man just pulled me harder, dragging me back to him.

"She's drunk, there's nothing she can do in this state. When we came to this miserable city, I didn't realise we were going to have such good luck on our first night! We hit the jackpot, boys!" There was a collective laugh but it made my skin crawl and I wanted to get away from it. I did not know these people, why were they grabbing me?

"Look at these, they're huge!" Hands gripped my chest and I cried out in alarm, panicking at the unwanted molestation so I cracked back my elbow and felt it connect with a face, crunching the cartilage of the nose and he yelped, quickly letting go and stumbling back.

"Bitch!" A hand suddenly cracked against my face and I fell to the ground, blearily blinking in shock. It had hurt but that was not the problem. The problem was that I was now frozen in fear. A hard kick to my abdomen rolled me onto my back, losing the breath in my lungs with a gasp as the foot then stomped down onto my chest. "You're going to regret doing that." Through my shifting vision I managed to make out a smirk, tongue dragging over the dry and cracked lips as I tried to move but I was so drunk I couldn't even stop the world from spinning.

A flash of light appeared to my right and in a blink, a towering form appeared above me with a punch to one of my attackers' face, sending them flying away and I stared, eyes widening as I saw Laxus standing above me, turning back the sleeves of his shirt whilst sparking angrily with electricity. That's just about as much as I could remember, after that it was all black, either due to me fainting or because of the alcohol. Either way, I remembered nothing more after that.