Sound Pod on Shuffle

by LittlePrincessNana

No, not your usual Lucy gets kicked off the team story - Lucy, decides to take a break from the team to heal a broken heart. With the help of a few friends, she breaks out of her shell, changes and in a drunken dare, she decides to play with lightning. The question is who will get the bigger shock? (Rated M for Lemons, Language and Violence)

37. Stars

Hi everyone!

So, I've started on my stuff for MidLu week…YAY! I will warn, with everything going on…the next update for this will be a couple of weeks off. Trying to get all of this stuff out for you guys as quickly as I can.

A foreward note on this, as a reminder, this story takes a timeline after the GMGs but it is as if Tartaros, Avatar and all that jazz never happened. So when you see the dates, don't go freaking out lol.

I also have a little rant that I sadly have to make in the beginning of this. I have put warnings on the chapters that go dark. If you see this, it is safe to assume the twins and Ivan will be involved. They are bad people. Bad people do bad things, sick things (I know, I've been a victim of them thank you very much). If it bothers you, SKIP past any section that begins with Ishiko, Iwao and/or Ivan. For those offended, I am sorry but I will not apologize for my work as a writer and I won't give the plot away (hello, surprises) in the notes. To grow, we must step outside our comfort zones. This may seem harsh, but I am personally proud of what I have been able to accomplish, of the progress I have made. Please see the newly added blanket trigger warning in my profile. Sorry for taking your time on this...but rant over.

But the chapter song is Stars by Nelly Furtado watch?v=jUO-e-G_2SY

As always, I don't own Fairy Tail or the song. Just the plot/story line is my own.

Now onto the Reading

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Chapter 37 - Stars

February 6, X792

"There are so many stars in the sky tonight, which one will I take in my hand?"

Lucy slid down into the steaming water, letting the heat permeate into her aching joints. Between the cold, the constant throwing up and what Levy deemed to be normal pregnancy pains, she didn't know what hurt more. Even her eyelashes seemed to hurt. Eyelashes. How was that even possible? If this is was any indication of what the next couple of months would be like, she knew she should just go ahead and get the headstone ready. This was going to kill her. Slowly and as painfully as possible. Couldn't it just be over already? It still amazed her that she was already a month along. Well technically three weeks and two days but who was counting? Oh. Right. She was.

She did finally understand why the other women had all complained during their pregnancy. Pregnancy was known to wreck a little havoc on a woman's body. It was nine months of hormone changes, growing fat in places one never considered fat to be stored, losing one's equilibrium thanks to the extending belly, breasts aching to the point that serious consideration to just loping them off with a good filet knife was given. But one adjusted over the course of three trimesters, nine long and agonizing months only to look back when it was all done and admit they'd do it again. Being a slayers mate, they weren't afforded such a luxury. An entire pregnancy was crammed into the span of a normal woman's first trimester. 3 whole months. How that was possible was beyond her and she couldn't really say that she'd ever consider this route again. I'd have to be with Laxus for that anyway and that…

A sigh of frustration crept past her lips and she forced herself to think of anything else but that. If she was ever going to shake the throwing up and constant fatigue, she needed to put it out of her mind. She'd made her choice, for better or worse and no matter how much it fucking hurt, this was how it had to be. Not that it mattered. A week since she'd told him and not once had he even called to check up on her. That should make her happy. But it didn't. She tried telling herself that it was because she wanted him to be concerned for the baby. But her heart knew better. The little flame that was held captive in the gilded cage, in the lowest levels of her heart, still flickered in hope that he'd bust in and demand she come back home. That he'd break the door down and carry her, kicking and screaming, back to their home. But he didn't. Instead he did as she asked. He left her alone.

She reached for the wash rag and drenched it before placing over her face, hoping it would impede the flow of tears that threatened. She was tired of crying. She cried for Laxus, for herself, for the baby growing inside of her, for the puppies that stupid fucking woman sang about on those commercials. She couldn't even think about the reach out and touch someone ads. Or that little green lizard whose forced to walk everywhere. Poor little lizard, I'll buy you a train ticket! She reached up and ripped the rag from her face and forced herself to sit up. What was supposed to be a relaxing bath had somehow turned into the soak from hell. She just needed to bathe her body and get her stupid teary ass to sleep. A dreamless slumber was what she needed most of all. She grabbed the shampoo and with a frump firmly in place, she engrossed herself in the act of lathering her hair. Maybe if she scrubbed enough, everything in her head would come out in the rinse.

"There are so many ways I can live a life, which one will I make part of my plan?"

By the time she was sure she'd scrubbed every inch of her hair, her fingertips were sore and her scalp pleaded to be released from the torture. She could feel the suds sliding down her back, a good layer of them covering her face as well. Blindly, she stretched out an arm in search of the spray nozzle she knew should be on its hook next to the faucet. Her hand hit something hard and she closed her fingers only to freeze in place. Her fingers flexed around whatever it had found, testing it in attempt to figure out what she'd grabbed in place of the hard, thin spray handle. Warm, soft, a little on the squishy side and Fabric? Her hand instantly jerked back and she hurriedly wiped at her eyes and face to clear the soap. That…oh god…what the…who the fuck? Her eyes opened and without a second thought, an ear piercing scream belted from her lips as she tried scrambling up the back of the tub only to slide back down. The last thing she'd expected to find was the azure haired, smirking face of one very amused looking mermaid. "Don't drown me! I swear I didn't do it! I don't even have your key, oh god Aquarius please don't drown me!"

"I probably should if that's how you greet everyone," The spirit tsked. "Now I understand why it took you so long to get a boyfriend."

She opened her mouth to rebut the statement but was cut off by the door flinging open. To her utter dismay, a very scared and worried looking Iron Dragon slayer busting through with an equally concerned Levy, Wendy, Charle and Lily hot on his tails. Another shriek filled the air as she grabbed for the small washrag and pitifully attempted to cover her exposed chest. What the hell had happened to her quiet, relaxing night? She'd only wanted to bathe and go to sleep. Yet here she was with a Mermaid who was likely there to make good on the constant threats of ending her life via waterboarding, and the entire Redfox household. Maybe death wasn't such a bad option.

"What the fuck is going on in here Bunny?"

"Well it looks like Aquarius decided to pay her a visit," Levy blinked as she looked between the two women in the room.

Charle flew up to block the seemingly shocked younger slayer's face. "Could you at least put some clothes on Lucy?" She chided. "What is it with all of you trying to be exhibitionist?"

"This IS Lucy's bathroom," Lily flatly replied. "And she is in the tub. We would be voyeurs in this scenario."

Lucy opened her mouth to reply but found herself speechless as she took in the entire scene around her. Aquarius was smiling a little too smugly as she reclined back against the front of the tub, probably impressed with her ability to yet again embarrass her. Gajeel's poor face was the color of a vine ripened tomato and she was pretty sure she saw steam coming from his ears. Levy looked as though she'd just gotten caught with her hand in the cookie jar. Why was her bath time never sacred? It was as if everyone in Fairy Tail had a sensor that went off the moment she stepped into a tub. Lucy's bathing. Quick, let's all go join her! She closed her eyes to stave the tears that burned and slumped down into the water. "I'm taking the lizard on a train ride," she cried into her hands.

"What?" Gajeel questioned as he turned to look at Levy, clearly confused. "What lizard?"

Levy's face fell flat and she shook her head. "I'll explain later," She sighed. "We're interrupting her bath so everyone out. I trust you've got this Aquarius?"

The mermaid spirit waved a hand dismissively. "I've been handling her tantrums since she was in diapers, of course I got this."

Lucy waited until she heard the door close before she dared dropping her hands. Five down, one to go. "My tantrums?"

"Yes," Aquarius said with a roll of her eyes. "And while I get it, you're pregnant but you've been on one hell of a bitch fest."

"There are so many spirits in the air tonight trying to pull me away"

The celestial mage blinked, unable to believe she'd heard what she did. Bitch fest? "Says the pot to the kettle!" She scoffed. She didn't have to listen to this. With a flick of her wrist, she flung the wet cloth from her chest. The bitchiest of her spirits could stay and talk to the four walls for all she cared. She pushed herself up in an attempt to exit the tub only to have her feet swept from under her. Before she could react, her face was beneath the surface of the water and she came up sputtering and coughing. She does intend to kill me! She wiped at her face and glared at the smiling mermaid as she tried to catch her breath.

"I didn't say you could leave yet," The spirit smirked.

She stared at the bluenette for a moment before letting out a humph as she crossed her arms. "Well I don't exactly have to listen to this either."

"Oh, yea you do."

"Nope," Lucy replied with a firm set of her chin.

Aquarius let out a sigh of frustration, her tail flicking the water in anger. "I could always just drown you, again. Perhaps even make a game of it," she seethed. "Just before you pass out, I'll pull you out only to do it again."

Surely she wouldn't drown a pregnant woman? She stared at her spirit, the fire of rebellion slowly fading in her eyes as she contemplated it. The mermaid had just knocked her from her feet without a care. Of course she'd drown her, the circumstances be damned. "Fine."

"See?" The spirit smiled smugly. "Was that really so hard?"

"Aquarius…" She moaned.

The bluenette quirked a finely shaped brow as she raised her tail threateningly. "Don't take that tone with me," she warned. "If your mother was here, she'd tan your hide and I'm not referring to the sun Lucy. What is wrong with you?"

The celestial mage's eyes bulged. Had she been drinking something, surely she would have choked. She'd interrupted her bath, accused her of being a King Kamehameha Bitch and then threatened to drown her with her unborn child. And she's got the nerve… "What's wrong with me?" She gasped. "What is wrong with you?"

"Nothing. I've got a man and we're still together," The spirit shrugged. "You on the other hand, well… You go blowing crap out of proportion. Oh god, he cheated on me with me. Let's run away like the little spoiled brat I am."

Lucy's eyes rolled at the crappy imitation of her voice. She didn't sound that whiney. Did she? "And just what would you have done had you walked in with Scorpio in that position?"

"For starters that wouldn't happen," The mermaid stated matter-of-factly. "Scorpio and I have serious trust and respect for one another. Second, I probably would have drowned his ass and then asked questions."

And that was different than her how? She suddenly had the intense urge to punch the bitchy spirit in the face. She'd never wanted to harm or lay a hand on any of her spirits. Ever. But at that moment, Lucy was seeing red. "See?" She bellowed.

"You're a part of me, you're in every breath that I breathe"

"No, you don't see because you're too busy running your mouth to see anything." Aquarius shot back as she sent water splashing with an angry flick of her tail. "Trust Lucy! She looked just like you! Instead of staying and opening a giant ass can of whoop ass on the both of them, you tuck tail and run. What did that accomplish? Nothing, you're still running. He's at home doing…" she paused as her face wrinkled in what could be seen as disgust. "Well, whatever he's doing. Probably crying like a little bitch and tearing the house apart, you two are eerily similar with your temper tantrums but in any case. You, you're sat here. Throwing your own fucking pity party, pregnant no less and just flat out refuse to deal. What the hell is up with that?"

"I…" Lucy started only to stop. Had she simply ran like a coward? She gave a shake of her head in response to her own question. She refused to believe she was being the coward. Even if part of what was said was true. "I just can't look him right now, not without seeing…that."

"It isn't that you can't, you won't." The mermaid stared at her for a moment before letting out a small sound of disbelief. "The Lucy I know has never backed down from anything. Ever. Including me and that is saying a whole hell of a lot. I've pushed you and pushed you until I was sure you'd break but ya know what?" Aquarius moved suddenly, popping up in front of the mage's bent and drawn up legs. The anger was gone from her face, replaced by sheer pride. "You never did and that got you a whole hell of a lot of kudo points in my book. When your father tried to keep you away from us, you spit in his face and got the hell out. When he tried to drag you back, kicking and screaming. You spit in that damn ape out there you call a dragon slayer's face, then Jude's and told him where to go with the ticket to get there in hand. When you got your ass handed to you in the games, you never gave up and went on to do something with Yukino that has only been done a time or two. YOU! Little, whiney ass, no boyfriend having Lucy opened all twelve gates at one time. That is no small feat there. And it's always like that. Someone pushes your ass down, you're too stupid or too stubborn to stay down. You push right back and show them the door."

Her eyes widened in complete shock. Never once had her spirit had a truly kind thing to say to her. But to hear the pride in her voice, to see it plainly on her face. It brought tears to her eyes and thickened her throat with emotion. If she didn't think the woman would knock her in the head, she would've thrown her arms around her. A smile of thanks spread on her face and it only grew wider when the spirit looked away, seemingly uncomfortable. "What the hell is up with you and me having a boyfriend?" She questioned with a small chuckle to break the silence that fell over the room.

A smirk rose on the Mermaid's lips. "Eh, I just liked to always tease you about that shit. You're too damn pretty not to and then you just had to go choosing Natsu. Still not sure what was going through that air filled head of yours there," She chuckled. "THEN! You did something right. You got the cream of the crop. Mister muscle god himself and despite him being a whiney little bitch, like yourself, you stood toe to toe with him and MADE him see what he had. But the first real sign of trouble, you bolt." She sighed and shook her head sympathetically. "Lulu, I love you girl. I do, even if I try to drown you all the time, never doubt that. But you really need to pull your head out of your ass on this one and work for this.

"But Lo-"

"Oh you don't worry about his ass," Aquarius sneered; cutting her off. "I still want to beat the crap out of that no good cat. He means well, he does and I do get what he was trying to do. But he just went about it the wrong way and had a severe lack in judgement. He lost sight of the fact that you listen to us. Not because you have to, but because you value us and our opinions. You take what we have to offer and put it to use, you're like Layla. But this was the one time, you really needed to take his words with a grain of salt."

"And every step forward that I take and then I take a step backwards and I can't see your face"

Lucy couldn't really argue with most of that logic. Her Spirits weren't pawns or objects to be used. They had years of experience and knowledge, feelings and emotions. They were more than an asset, they were her friends and she trusted their sage advice. But there were still things that Loke said that had struck a chord with her. It had moved too fast and she had jumped the gun without a single consideration to what Laxus had wanted in all of this. "Perhaps," she sighed. "But what he said did have some truth to it."

"Maybe but when it comes to love,' Aquarius smiled. "Lulu you have to ditch the brain and just follow your heart."

She gave a small nod of her head but didn't trust herself to reply. Part of her knew that all to be true. Her heart ached for the loss of Laxus. She loved him beyond words, more than life itself. She wanted nothing more than to be with him. But could she get past the elephant in the room? Could she see past the image in her head and trust that he truly did want just her? She sighed as her stomach gave a roll. It took her by surprise when she realized that in all the time she'd been in there talking, that was the first time she'd felt sick. Maybe I am being stupid in all of this. She reached up and passed a hand over her forehead only to grimace."I'm starting to wrinkle Aquarius," she said as she held up a wrinkled hand for evidence. "I'll take what you said into consideration and figure out what my heart wants but for now, I just want to go lay down in bed."

The spirit studied her for a moment, her lips pursed in thought. "Take me with you."

"What?" Lucy blinked, her climb from the tub coming to an abrupt halt.

Aquarius let out a heavy sigh. "I'll only do this once and if you ever try to do this again, I will kill you. But…" She paused and glanced around the room nervously. "Get that glass."

Lucy glanced at the counter, her brow arching as she spied the glass in reference. "You're… you want me to-"

"YES!" The spirit bellowed in frustration. "By the gods Lucy! Just get the damn glass already before I change my mind."

She quietly but quickly did as asked, her mind stumbling. Aquarius always threatened her with bodily harm when she summoned her in anything but the purest of water. Not only had she broken her own code but she was going to open her own gate in a glass full of the very bathwater she had popped up in? She watched in rapt fascination as the Spirit did just that. "You'll stay till I fall asleep?" She asked in jest.

Aquarius side-eyed her. "Yea," she sighed. "I'll even sing you to sleep the way I did when you were younger if you want but just shut the hell up."

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October X766

"There are so many songs on the people's faces"

He looked up at the large, white building and his lips turned down slightly. It was definitely not the place he'd ever picture a queen to end up. Certainly not her. A bazaar? Why would she trade everything she had for the life of a commoner, the mortal life of a human? He knew in the deepest part of himself why but it certainly did not make the pill any easier to swallow. A gust of wind swept at his back and he found himself glad for the high collared shirt and feather-lined collar of his black coat. This human form is bothersome. He knew it was a necessity, even the King had thought so. He couldn't very well come as he normally would. It would cause chaos and panic among those around. Making a scene was not his intention, he simply needed to ask a favor of her and get out without much notice. She was contingent on this working.

A couple passed by, pressed closely to one another and he watched with a sense of longing. The woman, while not one that would be heralded for her overabundance of beauty, she was rather common place with her mousy brown hair. But she looked beautiful in that moment, smiling up at her partner as if he were the only man in existence. The male was slight man, barely taller than she with faintly hollowed cheeks and messy, lackluster raven hair. In her eyes though, he was a god and it was clear for any who bothered to pay close attention that the two held an infinite amount of love for each other. He envied them and their ability to be so carefree. His chance, he knew, had come and pass. It was not meant to be and he'd long ago accepted that fact. A mournful sigh escaped his lips and he pushed his wandering thoughts away. He saw no need for dwelling in the past or in a future that would never be. He was there for a purpose.

He made his way inside and slowly walked among the merchants booths. His eyes had no need to scan their wears, he was only interested in a particular face. One that was imprinted in his mind and had been for many a century. He easily glided among the thralls of bustling customers and tradesmen. His movements easy and despite his more regal appearance, no one paid him any mind. If one happened to seek his eyes, they were quickly turned away with the quick snap of a finger. Row after row, he treaded and had begun to think perhaps he'd read the sign out front incorrectly. He'd been sure it had read Love & Lucky but perhaps it had been Love & Lucy. But then he caught sight of her and time stopped. She was a vision of the most pure beauty with her honey blonde hair piled high on her head. Soft wispy tendrils of curls escaped the hair pin's clutches to frame her angelic, round face. Her once alabaster skin now held the glow of life, having been touched by the sun. Her wide, mocha brown eyes shone with mirth and life. Full, pink lips were pulled up into a smile that plumped her cheeks and made her glow. The simple pink blouse and brown riding skirt did nothing to distract from the marvel that was Layla Alpheratz.**

"Excuse me, Miss Alpheratz?"

Layla felt the air around her shift before the deep, rich sound of a male voice reached her ears. It was one that was achingly familiar in so many ways. One she knew she should know but there was a something that made her second guess herself. It wasn't thunderous or ground shaking. There was no growling undertone but the velvet, smooth texture of it did send a ripple of goosebumps across her skin. The dropped jaw of Cornelia, her stall mate, told her it definitely was not Jude either. But then she already knew that. He'd just left that morning, not to return from his trip to inquire about another business prospect until the week's end. Giving the questioning look she got from her friend, she turned and felt the air rush from her lungs. The man in front of her was a complete stranger to her eyes but to say he was beautiful was doing him a grave injustice. His eyes though. She felt she knew those pale, crystalline ice blue eyes. They were the kind that could see straight through a person's soul, could hold them captive and bend them to their will. She was enraptured.

"Everyone could be yours but they're not"

He was tall, much taller than her five foot, seven inch build. His legs were long and lean, the black riding pants that he wore molding to the contours perfectly. His long, black coat made him seem out of place in a place like a common merchant's guild. Gold filigree decorated the edges, the front held closed by ornate brooches linked by obsidian chains. The midnight blue tunic that lay beneath was made of what appeared to be the finest silk. The collar was high and as if to match the coat, it too had gold piping that adorned the edges. His long raven locks of hair was a stark contrast against his smooth porcelain skin. His face though. It was like fine china, perfectly sculpted. Thin, dark brows sat low over his beautiful almond shaped eyes. His nose was slender, long and free of imperfections and accentuated his full, pale pink lips. She had to shake the sudden desire to taste those lips, wondering if they warmer than he seemed to be. The corners turned up into a smirk and she cleared her though, realizing she'd been staring too long. "I…um. D-Do I know you?"

Draco found the blush that settled on her cheeks perfectly suited her and was amused by her reaction. And the faint scent of arousal that intertwined with her usual honey and lemon aroma. It was…pleasing to know he could garner such a reaction. With a knowing grin, he reached into his pocket and pulled a star encrusted ribbon from inside, an onyx key dangling from the end. He knew it to perfectly match the scale encrusted key that hung from the key ring that was concealed in the pouch attached to the belt around her waist. "I would hope so although you've never seen me in this form."

Layla's hand strayed to her belt as her eyes widened in surprise. Her dragon, her celestial dragon transformed into the beautiful man in front of her. She'd always found him breathtaking in his usual form but this, this was unexpected. "D-Draco?"

"The one and only," He grinned before glancing around in search of a quick exit or alcove that they could possibly slip in to speak. "I need to talk to you. Privately."

"But…" She started but found herself unable to finish. She had a million questions and the one at the forefront of her mind plagued her. Why now and not before? It didn't really matter because it would only lead to more questions and a path that neither of them were able to stray down. "Nevermind," She forcibly smiled. "I am guessing he knows you're here?"

Draco frowned he watched the veil she too often hid behind slipped into place. Perhaps coming in human form had not been overly wise. It gave him desires to do what he'd longed to do for so long. He wanted to pull her into his arms and kiss her until that veil was destroyed and everything she was and could be was laid out before him. But such was the nature of their relationship, always wanting the one thing forbidden to him. "Yes," he whispered wistfully. "But I do not really have the time to go into that right now. I must speak with you about something extremely important."

Layla eyed him skeptically before giving a curt nod of her head. She turned to whisper that she would be back momentarily to Cornelia who gave her an all too knowing smile.

"Yea, yea. I get it," The older brunette woman chuckled as she adjusted the shoulder strap of the papoose she carried. "She and I will hold the fort today. Given the gloomy skies, I am sure they'll be closing us up soon."

Layla's lips thinned into a line as she glared, unamused at her new found friend. "I'll be back Nelia…"

"And all is lost if I count the truth…"

Cornelia glanced at the delicious man once more before giving a shake of her head. That guy was sex on two legs and seemed too rich to be in such a place but there was no denying the look in his eyes. He knew her saucy little friend and had a longing that she could only wish she'd seen in her ex-husband's eyes. Sure her blonde friend had a boyfriend but what if this was the "lost chance" she'd mentioned only once before. "Nope," she smiled as she stepped close to drop her voice to barely above a whisper. "Go, spend time with your friend there but I demand the nitty gritty tomorrow."

The blonde worried her bottom lip a moment as she glanced back at Draco. She had the sinking feeling she knew the reason for his visit, it could be the only explanation for why her oldest and dearest friend would grant him the use of transformation. It was either that or something had happened to the old man. She was sure she'd feel it if that were the case but then perhaps she wouldn't given the severance of ties. "Are you sure?" She asked hesitantly as she looked back at her friend, a hand coming up to gently stroke the full cheek of the sleeping baby inside of the papoose. "You've got her and I feel bad leaving the two of you on your own.

The brunette waved her off. "Nonsense," she smiled. "Cana and I are just fine. Go, have fun."

Layla sighed and shook her head. She knew all too well that arguing with the woman was futile. "Fine but I will see you first thing in the morning," She grabbed her bag and gave a final glance at the woman before slipping from behind the table. Her stomach instantly turned to a quivering mass of nerves as she led the way towards the exit. She'd somehow feel better if Jude were in town. She'd feel less…vulnerable. "If he's asking me to return then you will be wasting your time," she whispered telepathically to man that fell into step with her once they cleared the doors.

Draco pushed aside the sting that came with her admission, choosing instead to relish the sound of her voice inside of his head. Despite being her spirit, they rarely had the chance to just converse outside of the small battles she'd taken up before settling into the merchant's guild. Now they rarely saw each other and part of him conceded that it was for the best. "I assure you," he said as he slipped a hand behind her elbow to lead her across the street. "That is not the case. But it does concern your…arrangement made to be here."

"Why does that scare me?" Layla side-eyed him as they made their way down the street to the small apartment she'd secured for herself when she'd first arrived. It wasn't much, definitely not what she was used to but it was cozy and her own.

A man stumbled out of the tavern up ahead and turned their direction. The man was obviously beyond drunk as he staggered towards them. To avoid the collision Draco saw coming, he pulled her against his side without thought. "Because you've always been too smart for your own good," he replied candidly as they moved around the man with ease. But his hold on her did not ease up. She felt too warm, too comfortable, to perfect against his side.

She tried to ignore the warmth that spread from his touch but there was no masking the blush that she felt heat her cheeks. His large hand was firm on her hip, holding her captive but one look up at him and she forgot that it was not where she was supposed to be. He looked confident, his eyes trained forward. Their bodies were so close she could smell the scent of crisp, night air, sandalwood and musk with a hint of vanilla. He smelled like heaven and if she could bottle it, she would. His hand on her tightened a moment before pulling away and it was only then that she realized they were stopped, outside of her apartment. She looked away bashfully as she pulled the key from her pocket and busied herself with opening the door to let him in. "Then out with it," she said as she shut the door behind them. "Why are you here?"

"To my own heart."

Draco watched her fidget for a moment only to realize his own pulse had sped up. They were alone, behind closed doors with no other prying eyes. And for the first time in his ridiculously long lived life, he was afraid. Genuinely afraid of the woman in front of him because he knew then that he'd do anything for her. Including breaking any and every celestial law known if she asked him to. She's the mate I'll never have. The thought sank into his chest and to shield her from the pain he felt, he dropped his head and busied himself with removing his coat. "I need your daughter," He replied in a much stronger voice than he thought himself capable at that moment. A dragon, reduced to a quivering mass of stupid. "I-I want her to be the alpha female for our Tatsu."

Layla blinked at his words, her mouth opening and closing a few times. She wasn't sure if it was a case of mishearing him or, if in his transformation to human, he'd completely lost his mind. He knew the stipulations she'd been given on returning to human form. Because of her true age, she would not have the ability to bear children of her own. "But Draco," she frowned. "I-I don't have a daughter or did you forget that I am barren and that Jude and I have not even married yet."

If he knew that she wouldn't outright slap him or clobber him over the head with something, he would have outright laughed at the exasperated expression that adorned her face. She was always so vividly animated but she clearly thought him mad. If it were possible, her doe-like eyes were larger than normal and her face was frozen in horror. "But you will be," he grinned. "He will propose to you in a week's time. And I have a way to…fix your infertility issue."

She was so incredibly happy that he thought this amusing, NOT. She knew nothing good would come from his visit and there it was. With a shake of her head, she turned for the small kitchen. While the thought of needing something strong, tea would just have to suffice. "That's abusing your powers and the old man's a little don't you think?" She called over her shoulder as she grabbed the kettle from the stove and moved to the sink to fill it.

"Not when it comes to ensuring the safety of the next generation," Draco shrugged as he followed her into the kitchen. While it was expressly forbidden leaking information concerning the future to mere mortals, he saw her case as different. Given her once highly esteemed status, she was a special case. He felt her could tell her things that he'd never dare utter to someone else. And this was no ordinary request either. He was asking her to bear a child for the sake of a cause not her own. He watched her move about the kitchen and found himself praying that the two children, whose fate they were deciding for them, had better luck than he and Marux had. "Our male has already been chosen."

Pulling two cups and saucers down from the cupboard, she paused at those words. Chosen? A male? She slowly turned as her brain tripped over that little tidbit of information, anger flaring. This was and by far the most infuriating plan she'd ever heard. "So you mean to tell me," She seethed through gritted teeth. "You want me to rush into getting married and have a child just so she can mate with another dragon? I don't think so Draco. Find another dragon."

"He'll be a slayer Andi," He sighed. Leave it to her to initially jump to that conclusion. She was so incredibly smart yet her mind betrayed her at times when it got hung up on something. "Not a dragon; that would be impossible." It was a fact he knew all too well.

"You're a part of me"

She blinked at the overly handsome man leaning against her kitchen counter as though he belonged there, her breath catching when his nickname for her slipped from his lip. It was something he'd only ever dare when they were alone. And it felt too right rolling off of his lips. She didn't want the images he created in her mind. "I'm not stupid," she sighed as she turned away. "Dragon slayers have long since passed. It's a lost magic."

He pushed off of the counter and moved across the kitchen, his boots soundless on the wood floor. The smell of her grew stronger as he drew closer and his tongue darted out to lick hungrily at his lips. "Let's just say it's being brought back."

Her fingers paused in the tea bin. "What? Why?" She exclaimed as she spun to find him close enough to touch. Close enough to smell. Close enough that she could feel the heat radiating from his body. The tea bin slipped from her fingers and fell to the floor with a loud clank. "Th-There are so few of you left. Why would you need more slayers?" His presence so close frightened and excited her. He was heartbreakingly gorgeous in human form, the temptation proving to be too real.

Draco smiled as he reached out a hand to steady her trembling one. It was a blessing and curse that she was as nervous as he was being so close. He watched as her tongue quickly darted across her pouty bottom lip and he wanted nothing more than to follows its path with his own. His mouth salivated at the notion of what she'd taste like. He reigned his desires in and knelt down to retrieve the mess she'd made. "Because we're being forced to leave… for now."

The idea of him leaving strangled her. Leaving? As in she'd never see him again. Layla stared down at him, a hand coming up to press against her chest. "W-What do you mean?" She questioned quietly, her voice barely above a whisper. "Forced to leave? Where are you going?"

"In almost eleven years' time by human terms," He replied as he finished cleaning up the spilled tea leaves. He could hear the fear in her voice, the pain. And he couldn't bring himself to look up at her, afraid he'd see tears in her eyes. "And I can't say but it's unavoidable."

She felt her knees give and she allowed herself to sink to the floor in front of him. It was as if he'd told her he was terminal. There was time, they could fix this right? She didn't want to live without him. She laid her hand atop his just as the first tear slipped down her cheek. "No…"

Draco smelled her tears long before he'd seen the first one fall. The feel of her hand was so warm on his skin and he hated telling her this. He hated to be the one to bring her tears. "Yes Layla," he replied softly as he turned his hand under hers. His long fingers curled around her small hand, feeling the steady beat of a pulse when a finger passed over her wrist. "We have to ensure the human race is protected. We're the only ones strong enough to do that but now it must be up to the next generation."

"But human children Draco?" Layla sniffled as she raised her head to look up at him. "Really? Have you all lost your minds?" He'd come to ask her to give him a successor yet he wouldn't be there. Surely he had lost every last brain cell in his head. Whatever magic they'd used to transform him had left him daft. "And you want me to just what? Sacrifice a child, MY child for some unknown good?"

"You're in every breath that I breathe"

His expressions softened and he reached up to ever so gently brush a lock of hair from her face. Her face, he'd had it memorized for as long as he could remember and had only dreamt about what it would be like to touch her skin. Even marred by tear tracks, she was still breathtaking. "Do you truly believe I would do that?" He asked softly as his eyes searched hers. "Do you honestly think I'd want any part of you sacrificed for me, much less anything else?"

She sighed in resignation, knowing better. She knew him too well, knew his heart too well to allow her doubts to get the better of her. But still. "No, I don't but Draco." She said as she reached up to press her palm to her cheek. She'd touched his face a million times before and it thrilled her to find warm skin in place of scales. His dragon form was prepossessing but as a human, he was suddenly on her level. It unlocked the once forbidden. "You're offering me the chance to be a mother yet tell me she will be used to oversee a bunch of unruly dragon slayers? They're dangerous, unpredictable even and she won't even be a slayer herself."

His eyes dropped to her lips again, his body instantly reacting. Coming in human form truly was probably not the best of ideas. "In the past, yes they have been but this group..." He paused as his lips stopped just a hair's breadth away from hers. Of all the moments for that stupid tea kettle to whistle. He swore under his breath as he pulled away to stand, offering her a hand up. It was probably for the best because he wasn't sure he could stop himself had his lips indeed touched hers. "This group is special. Most of them will be raised by the other dragons until the time comes and I assure you, she will be more than cared for. She will be able to handle the task."

Layla was ready to spit nails. She wanted to throw the damn kettle through the closed window just because the sound of shattering glass might make her feel better. So close. She could almost taste him as she took in the scent of his breath. "This isn't fair, you know that right?" She accepted his hand and pulled herself up, pulling the screaming device from the fire before turning back to him. "If you're gone, how can you be so sure of that? We both know I will not be able to protect her for forever."

Forever. A sharp pain shot through his chest at that word. Had she stayed in the celestial realm, it would have been forever. He felt the sorrow try to overcome him but he quickly blocked it out as he reached into the pocket of his pants. "No, you won't but this will help her as much as it will you," he remarked as he pulled his hand from his pocket, his fingers uncurling to reveal a small, clear vial filled with a strange, glowing liquid that was the color of the night sky. You'll teach her our magic and when the time comes, she will be stronger than you could ever imagine."

She looked down at the vial in his open hand doubtfully, its contents strange and odd to her. "I don't…I don't know about this Drac…" She looked up at him and frowned. Shouldn't his successor be from him? His child? "Why me? Shouldn't your mate be the one to give birth to your successor?"

Draco's face fell flat. There was that hang up again in her brain. "Because I didn't take a mate, you know this."

"Well why the hell not?" She scoffed, hating the patronizing look that came over his handsome face. She hated it when he did it as a dragon but even more so now when he was a human. It seemed more real settling on his alabaster skin and ice blue eyes.

"And every step forward that I take"

Draco studied her face for a moment, contemplating his answer very carefully. If he said what his heart was screaming there'd be no taking the words back. A lump formed in his throat and his mouth turned into desert sand. But you won't get this chance again. He let the wall fall that shielded him. "Because the one I would have chosen was my queen and I but a lowly, humble servant of hers. Now she's a human and I am but one of her spirits."

Layla found herself unequivocally torn. Part of her took flight, hearing those words fall from his lips. Finally, after so long. But she knew it wouldn't have happened if this was not the end. Her throat tightened with emotions as tears stung once more at her eyes. "That… That isn't fair Draco."

"I know. I've kept that guarded for centuries," He all but whispered. She was right. It wasn't fair but he'd learned too long ago to remember that life seldom was fair. Ages spent pining after a woman he'd never have was by far the worst of the injustices Fair had handed him. "But it's true and you cannot tell me that you did not know."

She knew there was no refuting that and she wouldn't hold the truth of things from him any longer. If this was indeed the end for the both of them, she wanted no regrets. "No, I knew all too well and I promise that feeling was wholeheartedly shared. But as you said, you were a dragon and I, your queen. It's why I had to leave. I was tired of wanting something I couldn't have."

"So you gave up your immortality for it?" Draco barked in possessive anger.

She flinched at his loud voice and raised her hand without thing, slapping him on the arm. "Yes! At least here, I've found something I can have. A life, with a man who I can cherish and who loves me more than all of the stars above!"

Draco glared at her for a moment, shocked that she'd actually struck him. Shocked at the difference his change in size made. She'd batted at him a million times in the past but his scales too hard for him to feel more than annoyance at the gesture. But he'd deserved that. As much as the words she spat back at him cut him to the core, he'd raised his voice at her. Had pushed her that far. "I know… It hurts but I know."

Layla stepped forward hesitantly, her movements remorseful as the look of guilt that swam in the autumn pools of her eyes. She hadn't meant to slap him and hated that she'd allowed her anger to reach that point. Her hands came up to gently frame his face. "But please know that you will always have that part of my heart."

"No. Jude will," he said regretfully as he tried to pull away only to have her hold him there.

"And then I take a step backwards"

"Draco, yes. I do love him," She frowned. "And cherish what we have together. He will make a fine husband and…and father. I am so very fortunate to have found him and I will spend the rest of my days trying my best to make him happy."

"Is that supposed to make me feel better because it isn't," Draco stated flatly.

A bleat of laughter erupted from her mouth. The pout that settled on his lips was just too adorable. "But he's not you," she smiled as she pushed his hair back behind his ear. She froze as she took in the pointed lobe, just like his dragon ears but made man flesh. An earring pierced the fleshing part and she could not stop her fingers from moving to gently trace the edge of the shell. "The day I was brought to the celestial realm, you not only took my breath away but you stole part of my heart as well. And…and I will never ask for that back. I have loved you for as long as I can remember and I don't regret that."

Draco wanted so badly to pull away but found he couldn't move. Her touch on his ear ignited a fire in the pit of his belly. She was too close and he wanted more than he could have. "But yet you left," he whimpered as he nuzzled his cheek into the palm that warmed his face.

Layla sighed and lifted up onto her toes to gently press her lips to his, having wanted to do it for so long. It wasn't the passionate lock she wanted but she poured every ounce of feeling into that soft, brief touch. "My only regret is that I could not do this sooner."

His hands came up to her hips. He knew he should stop this but his body refused to cooperate. Just the slightest hint of peppermint and honey stained his lips and gods did he want more. Instincts he'd held dormant for decades reared up, taking all of his willpower to hold it back long enough to regain some semblance of control. "Andi," He growled as warning flashed in his eyes.

She felt the shudder begin at the tip of her head before it traveled the entire length of her being, only ending once it reached the tips of her toes. Never once in her life had she heard anything that ignited her blood the way he'd said her name. She could clearly hear the dragon behind it. That low, deep rumble that vibrated every part of her anatomy. The logical part of her shrieked for her to turn away and she found herself pulling back. But something deeper rooted in her stayed her as her back hit the counter's edge. Her hand came up of its own accord, her fingers eerily steady as they popped the first button of her blouse. And then the second. "I know, this isn't supposed to be but you've said it." The steady pitch of her voice shocked her. But the words she spoke the truth her heart held. "You'll leave and I'll be left here without you so just…just this once, be greedy. Leave me with a memory I can keep."

He watched as the last button of her blouse came loose, the material falling away enough to reveal the chemise top that concealed the rest of her flesh from his gaze. She was brazen but then she always had been. It's what made her a fine queen. But this wasn't supposed to be happening. He needed to be the more responsible of the two. He had been her advisor. It was his job. Yet his feet spurred into action and he found himself pinning her to the counter at her back. His hands came up to slip beneath the fabric of her top, his fingers brushing over the satin smooth flesh on her shoulder. "Y-you need to tell me to stop," He warned as his lips dipped to brush lightly over hers. The last frayed vestiges of his control were slipping and slipping fast. "Either be sure or push me away, Please Andi."

"And I can't see your face"

Layla let the blouse fall before her hands sought the hem of his tunic. She saw the fire she felt in her loins reflected in those pale, azure eyes and all doubts fell by the wayside. Any regrets she could possibly have would wait until the light of morning. Just once, she needed to have him. He was the air her lungs needed to breathe after being denied for so long. She couldn't watch him leave and know that she'd spend the rest of her days wondering what if. "Impossible," She whispered huskily as her fingertips found warm, smooth skin. Her tongue slipped out to glide along the seam of his lips, the dark spearmint flavor of him setting an ache between her thighs. "Even if only for tonight, a queen needs her dragon."

He didn't need another invitation as his lips greedily captured hers. She was his queen, always would be even long after the sun rose and he was forced to retreat back to the lonely existence without her. The consequences of loving his mage be damned. Even if the King showed up at that moment, he'd go with a smile and the taste of heaven's finest wine on his lips. There was no hesitation when her tongue matched his, giving way to his lead. His hands deftly lifted her up, perching her on the edge of the counter. His mouth was hungry and demanding against hers, only breaking long enough to allow her to push his top up and over his head. But the moment he was freed, his mouth sought hers again. The need to devour her was consuming him in every sense of the word.

She'd been kissed before. In her past life, before the king had offered her immortality on her deathbed, and in this one. But never once had she been kissed with that much passion or desire. No one could compare to the dragon in her arms and she allowed herself to succumb to his claim on her. Her body trembled against his solid frame, her fingers playing on the landscape of his back as she tried to pull him in closer. The thin fabric, while minimal, provided aggravation. She desperately wanted to feel all of his skin against hers and as if he could read her mind, he broke the kiss. His heavy gaze held her prisoner as his hands slid up her arms, his firm fingers slipping beneath straps of her undergarment only to pull it free from her shoulders. Her breath hitched as the cool, evening air feathered over her already taut, rose colored nipples, pebbling them even further.

As she pulled her arms free of the straps, his eyes wandered over the silken landscape of her torso. Her clothing, no matter what she wore, did very little justice to the artistry of what it concealed. A flawless tawny skin palette stretched over the ample curves of her breasts, dusty rose nipples topping their peaks. Her sleek stomach narrowed to a pinched waist that held no need for a corset. His lips and fingers ached to memorize every square inch, needing to commit her every perfection to memory. His mouth claimed hers again in a soul searing kiss, conveying his admiration for her in ways that words could not express. Years of desiring her from afar, wanting to worship her the only way that could convey the depth of his love for her culminated and poured from his lips as they trailed over her chin and throat. Reverence stained the trail his fingertips made over her heated flesh. The soft mewls that flowed from her only spurred him further until his lips found one of those pebbled peaks.

Layla knew there was no way to contain the cry that shot from her mouth as his warm lips pulled at her sensitive breasts. His tongue paid havoc on her ability to think until all she could was give into the inert primal instincts in the deepest recesses. Her fingers found their way into his hair, tangling in the long silky raven strands. Her back arched beneath his ministrations, offering her body up to his feasting. She felt the fabric of her skirt inching its way up and over her electrified skin before the jolt came with the touch of his fingertips on the newly exposed flesh of her thigh. This was what she'd wanted for so long and it was too vivid to be a dream. His thin hips between her parted legs, his rough fingers gliding against her skin, his mouth. It was everything she'd envisioned it would be and then everything her mind had never been able to conjure.

"You're a part of me"

Draco had never anticipated that sin would be this good. The scent of her arousal filled his lungs, that intoxicating aroma flowing from her pores and the apex of her thighs. His thumb brushed over the damp fabric of her panties and he knew he needed to taste all of her. He wanted to drown in her essence. His lips trailed further down, his tongue lapping at the quiver of her stomach and the hollow of her navel. His knee touched the floor and for the first time he truly understand the glory of being at her feet. Looking up to see the heavy way her lids drooped in lust, the perfect pink petals of her lips parted in heavy breathing; she looked like desire personified. "You'll always be my queen," he whispered before leaning in to press his lips to her inner thigh. He slipped the small flats that adorned her feet off before he hooked a leg over his shoulder.

Any rebuttal she may have had was washed away as his lips pressed against her fabric covered core. His steamy breath felt like fingers touching her wet skin and thought she just might die when his tongue pressed the wet cotton against the throbbing pearl of ecstasy nestled there. But that little death did not come until he pulled the fabric aside and he tasted her without restraint. A cry that sounded foreign to her ears echoed in the otherwise silent kitchen. Her fingers tightened in his hair as she fought the battle between pushing him away and pulling him deeper. Every pass of his tongue, the way his lips latched onto her, his hand on her thigh pulling her; it drove her to the brink of sanity until all she could do was yield to the delicious hell he wrought. Her hips undulated on their own, seeking more. Seeking something she couldn't name.

Needing to be completely unhindered, Draco pulled back long enough to tear the fabric of her panties asunder. He ignored the startled gasp he heard as he leaned back in to capture her body once more. He'd only thought her mouth tasted good. There was nothing that could come close to comparing to the essence that seeped from the angel above him. She was divinity made real and it made him greedy for more. Her cries of pleasure provided the music he needed as he enjoyed what he knew would be his last meal. Her nails dug into his scalp, making him growl against her. The pain added to the delight of feeling her trembles grow into a never ending full body shudder. His dragon's heart swelled as he looked up in time to see her head fall back just before her body seized above him, her thighs clamping down. More of her ambrosia washed over his tongue as his name sounded from her lips. Even if he was struck down that very second, watching her come undone, knowing he'd done that; it would all be worth it.

Stars. Thousands of them burst behind the curtain of her eyelids as she was pulled down into the abyss of a soul shattering orgasm. She'd known it was coming, the coil inside of her winding tighter and tighter with every pleasurable flick of his tongue and suckling of his lips. But it did not prepare her for the breath robbing death when she'd felt when his lips latched onto her as his finger entered her. She waited for the final curtain of doom to descend and blanket her world of darkness as she rode out the final shudders of complete bliss. But his mouth did not seem done as his flicks slowed to long, leisurely passes. Her hands pushed in vein against him, needing her body to desensitize. "I…Drac…that." Her brain seemed incapable of processing complete thought.

He gave a deep, hearty chuckle at her loss of words. He pressed his lips against her trembling thighs before pushing himself up to stand again. He took in the way her chest still heaved and the healthy flush to her skin. It wasn't thought to be possible but he found himself falling head over heels with her all over again. Only deeper. She was truly everything he'd ever wanted and his need for her had no rival. "We're not done," he whispered throatily as he stepped back between her legs to pull her against him. He needed to have his fill of her because he wouldn't spend the rest of eternity with a single regret where she was concerned. He needed to prove his worth to her, to show her just what loving a dragon was like. He needed her to remember this, to remember him. Hooking her legs over his hips, he slipped his hands beneath her skirt covered ass and lifted her effortlessly from the counter.

"You're in every song that I sing"

Layla could taste herself on his lips as she tenderly kissed him. Her arms clung desperately to him as he carried her to the small bedroom. The rumble of thunder sounded off in the distance but its significance was lost on her as he set her feet down on the floor. His fingers came up to brush against her face and she lost herself in the endless depths of his eyes. Those were the eyes she'd fallen in love with and how she'd not recognized them right away was beyond her. No matter his form, they were still the same. "I love you Draco," she whispered as her fingers slid down to press her palm against his shirtless chest. She could feel the steady beat of his heart beneath the warmth of his skin. Her eyes strayed down to take him in. Despite the slender, athletic build of this body; his power and scars remained. She knew how he'd obtained each imperfection that marred his porcelain skin. Her fingers traced the one just under the curve of his toned chest before moving on to play among the hills and valleys of his abs. Three jagged white lines stretched around his side and just as she'd done once on a lazy day, her fingers moved to trace each one. The only difference now was flesh quivered under her touch instead of scales. "I've loved you for so long and I'm sorry that I never told you before."

"All that matters is hearing you say it now," he replied as he pulled her against him. He'd never reveal that she's said before, in the dead of night as she laid sleeping. It was an admission he wasn't meant to hear but it had carried him none the less. Despite it being in her sleep, she was still braver than he had been. "I love you too Andromeda," he whispered against her lips as he tenderly kissed her. Gone was the hasty, lust filled touches. In their place nothing but loving caresses as their fingers gently explored previously uncharted territory. His fingers pulled at the pin in her hair, letting it fall in a cascade of honey colored waves around her shoulders. He'd always longed to feel those strands with his clawed clutches and while he knew the feeling would not be the same, it felt better than he'd imagined as he pulled his fingers through it.

Rain began to beat against the window above her as they shed what little remained of their clothing. She pulled his body against her as he carefully laid her back against the cool comforter on her bed. He looked like a god above her, his raven locks falling down around them as if to shut out the rest of the world. Her hands explored the bare expanse of his back as his lips and teeth gently nipped at her own. The long, thick length of his arousal pressed against her soft folds and she moaned into his waiting mouth as she pressed her palms to his ass to pull him in against her. The measure of him rubbed against her sensitive nub, re-igniting the fire he'd extinguished in the kitchen. His lips became more demanding against hers, swallowing each moan and whimper his touch elicited. Her hips undulated beneath him, meeting the flexing of his hips and creating friction that had her panting for. "Make love to me Draco," she moaned against his lips. "I need all of my Dragon."

Her words spoke to a deeper part of him and a low rumble vibrated in his chest as he pulled back enough to peer down at her. Her hair fanned out around her, her lips plumped from kissing, a fire burning in the depths of her doe brown eyes and the vitality of life giving her skin an ethereal glow. She looked every part an angel with every elegance of the royalty she'd forfeited. It dawned on him that the realm or life time didn't matter, she was and always would be his in every one of them. A hand stole down to grasp his aching member and he teased her entrance with the tip. The whimper of frustration that left her only fed his dragon's ego. "Then my Queen shall have her Dragon," he growled before thrusting himself into her in one fell swoop. The cry that pierced evening air and the way her tight, warm walls molded around his girth drove him to the brink of all that was sane. Heaven did indeed lay between her beautiful thighs.

"And every bird that sings to me"

The instant burn of penetration brought tears to her eyes and threatened to pull her from the cloud he'd placed her on. She was a lady and her virginity should have been saved for the man she'd marry. But she could not find it in her to care. There would be no regrets for giving such a gift to him. She needed him to have all of her before he left for good. It would be something she could worry about when the morning came but in that moment, she loved the Dragon above her more than life itself. Her legs wrapped around him as he began a slow, drawn out pace. She could feel his love returned in every thrust, could feel every part of him joining with her. Her head lifted to brush her lips against his, intermingling their breath so that there was no beginning or end. No longer him and her, Andromeda and Draco. Just one breath, one heartbeat, one soul.

He'd wanted this, her for so long that he couldn't remember what it had been like to not desire her. Had waited for her. Dreamed of her. Spent centuries cursing her and telling himself to give up. And here it was, she was giving him all of her. A woman who overshadowed every other and always would. Every thrust drove home just how much he'd love her for forever. She was tight around him. Scorching hot, luscious and soft and he could not imagine how he'd managed to live without her. She's mine. All mine. The deeper, darker side of him reared its head as his thrust quickened. His hips snapped hard and unrelenting against her and his name cried again from her beautiful lips. Mine. His lips left hers to burn a trail along the edge of her jaw and further still until he felt her rapid pulse beneath his tongue. Her scent pulled him in as he lapped at her flesh and his lips pulled back over his teeth to bare his long, razor sharp canines.

Layla shuddered beneath him, her fingernails digging into his back as he growled against her throat. The sound had a way of traveling the length of her spine to settle between her legs. His movements took on a more animalistic quality that left her breathless yet begging for more. The scent of him filled the air, wrapping around her like a blanket and she felt teeth scrap against her flesh only to suddenly stop. Everything stopped as he went deathly still within her and harsh, ragged breath feathered over her heated skin. She arched beneath him, trying to spur him on but the soft whimper she heard tingled the edge of fear. "Drac… baby?" She pushed him back to find sorrow and despair blanketing his face. Her heart stopped and her chest ached as she hesitantly reached up to brush the hair from his face. His eyes wouldn't meet hers. "B-baby. Please tell me what's wrong," she whispered as her finger caught a tear that escaped his eyes.

Draco struggled to find his voice. He'd come so close, how close scaring the shit out of him. She was irrevocably his mate, his words earlier coming back to haunt him. He should have known better. He should have guarded himself closer. Had he not been able to stop himself, had he started the process… He shuddered to think of the misery he'd leave her in. He was a dragon, he'd carry it and deal with it because to him she was worth it. But to know that he'd leave her, never being able to complete it. He wanted more than that for her. While he would go happily, dying when her life was up, it wasn't worth the pain she'd experience. He loved her too much. "I…Andi, we need to stop." He tried to pull away but her legs tightened around him, holding him firmly in place.

"Why?" She questioned quietly, afraid to hear the response but needing to know. What could possibly make him go from hot to cold and withdrawn in the blink of an eye? "D-did I do something wrong?"

"This is what I dream"

His eyes met hers and at first all he could do was stare. Wrong? She was everything right and perfect, the very air he breathed. She couldn't do wrong in his eyes if he tried. If anything, she was too perfect. Far more than he deserved. "Andi…" He whispered regrettably as he brushed the back of his hand against her cheek. "No love, you are flawless." How could she not see that? His head dropped and he pressed his forehead to hers. "I-I'm the one to blame here. I couldn't…I almost lost control and hurt you."

Layla's eyes widened in her confusion. "But you did-"

"I said almost," he sadly smiled as he silenced her with a finger. "You're my…I almost bit you. In the heat of passion."

"But…" Her words died off as the meaning of his words sank in. One didn't spend ages with a dragon and not learn of their ways. She'd been fortunate enough to have met his entire Tatsu. And their mates. They bit their mates when claiming them. I'm his mate… The thought choked her as tears sprang to her eyes. That was far greater than any declaration of love. It meant he loved her above all else, including his own life. He'd die to protect her. He saw her as his equal and wanted to bind his life to hers in a way no marriage ever could. "Do it."

Those softly whispered words slammed into him harder than any dragon ever had in battle. Draco stared down at her in stunned silence. His lips tried to form words only to slam shut. His brain was too busy arguing with his heart. Logic and emotions were mortal enemies he knew all too well. "Andi. You… You don't know what you're asking me to do."

She knew that was probably true but her heart overwhelmed her at the possibility. Reaching up, her fingers sank into his hair and she pulled his lips to hers. "I'm asking you to bite me. You are leaving so mark me as yours so that I never have to truly be without you."

His eyes closed and he fought with his own restraint. She was offering him everything he'd ever wanted on a platter. And he had to deny both her and himself. She'd told him his request was unfair, no this was unfair. It would be so easy to do, just give into greed and everything she was offering him. But he loved her, his mate, more than greed and selfish desires. "If I did, you'd never forgive me." He framed her face with his hands and forced her to look up at him. "There is nothing in this world or the next that I want more but Andi, I can't. I can't leave you hurting because that is what me biting you will bring. Pain and never ending sorrow." He saw her lips part to speak and knew her well enough to know she was set to argue. "Love, one bite would only start the process. We could never complete it but please know that no mark I could give you could be enough. You, Andromeda. Queen of the stars, chained princess of the night sky, are my mate. You are what I have searched my whole life for and while I cannot give you everything you deserve, let me give you what I can. It isn't much, just what you see before you but I can assure you that with it comes my entire heart."

"To be real…"

Why did we wait until it was too late? His words overjoyed and saddened her in the same breath. It was part of why she'd left and forsaken the gift of immortality. So what if it left her hurting? She knew come day light, knowing he was leaving her and never to return, she was going to be in more pain than she'd ever known. Her chest already ached for what was to come. But he'd finally said it. He was claiming her as his own. It wasn't the way she'd longed for but it was the only way he could. "I'll cherish and safeguard your heart until my dying breath."

His lips captured hers and he poured everything he was into it as began to move within her once more. The urge to obey, to mark her the way she'd asked was still there. Dancing at the edges of his mind. But he turned a blind eye, choosing to love her instead. She now knew every secret he'd kept hidden in his heart and all of her accepted him still. Her body arched beneath him, meeting each slow and torturous thrust. The way she completely wrapped around him left him in awe. He did truly love her with everything that he was. He always would, not ending when she drew her final breath but only when he drew his.

Layla's eyes couldn't be swayed from his even as each ripple of pleasure washed over her. She couldn't turn away or blink for fear of missing a single moment with him. She needed to memorize each emotion that flashed in his eyes, the way he grit his teeth every time their hips collided, the sounds of each moan and growl that slipped from his lips. He pulled an arm from around him and laced his fingers with hers as he reached down with the other to pull her leg higher up over his hips. Even when his thrusts became more urgent and she felt the coil inside of her winding to the point of snapping, she refused to close her eyes.

"This is my reality"

Draco felt the first urges of his impending release mounting. He knew by the way her walls fluttered around him that she was right there with him. Her eyes conveyed the love he felt radiating off of her warm, quivering body. He pulled her leg up high still until her knee was practically trapped against his shoulder. The way that her tunnel tightened around him even further nearly undid him. His hips snapped against hers and he saw her eyes widen as the most delicious cry rocketed from her lips. Her body seized beneath him and he knew he had her. He needed to see her come apart just one more, needed her to pull him over the edge with her.

She felt him reach a spot inside of her that she didn't even realize existed. A blinding light blanketed the world before it faded to black as her eyes rolled into the back of her head. "Dr-Draco!" His name blast from her lips on the wings of a scream that she was sure her neighbors probably heard. Her tension filled body gave way to earth quaking convulsions, propelling her sky high. She was barely aware of him swelling inside of her but the snap of his hips and the sensation of him erupting inside of her only pushed her higher. So high, that she was sure she could indeed touch the stars in the sky. This was what love did. It gave you wings and made you soar.

---

"Because my heart is a lonely hunter, dying to strike out"

Draco felt her naked body stir against him and lifted his head to peer over at the small clock on her bedside table. He didn't recall having fallen asleep but it was nearly morning. It had been nearly Eleven o'clock the night before when they'd finally fallen, sweat and completely exhausted to the mattress. Just the thought of having her above him, naked and completely free of any restraints as she gave herself to him made his body ache for more. But he knew he needed to return. The old man was probably waiting there for him, waiting to separate his head from his body. He looked down to find her staring up at him with sleepy eyes and the hint of a smile playing on her full lips. Gods did he love her and he hated that he had to go. He didn't want to tell her goodbye because even now it was hurting too much to do. "You should go back to sleep," he smiled as he pulled her tighter against him. "The sun is not up yet. You still have a few more hours."

"What's in the vial?"

Her question stilled him. He hadn't told her and she still hadn't accepted. Could he tell her the whole truth of its contents? It wasn't just a potion that would allow her to conceive a child. It also held shards from his and Marux's scales. A drop of blood from every Tatsu member; Igneel, Metallicana, Skiadrum, Weisslogia and Bahora. Pieces of them all were necessary to insure the child's future and bond with the others. She would be the only one of them not a slayer. It was imperative that they took to her and she to them for this to work. "It is an ancient potion, one never used anymore. But it will give you the ability to get pregnant once and will mark her as my successor."

The silence that followed was deafening but finally she lifted her head from his chest and shifted up to press her lips against his. "I'll do it," she smiled. "Just promise me this will protect her."

Even with sleep and sex messed hair and sleep encrusted eyes, she was still the most beautiful thing he'd ever seen. A soft smile pulled at the corners of his mouth as he slid his fingers into her hair, pulling her in to kiss her tenderly and thoroughly. She still tasted like heaven. "It will. It will give her what she needs to lead them." He waited until she settled back down against him to tell her what he knew would hurt her the most. "There's only one stipulation. The day that she's born, my key will vanish from your keyring."

Her head shot back up and she stared at him in alarm. "But Draco!"

"I know," He sighed as he smoothed his hand over her hair and pulled her head back down. He couldn't take seeing the pain in her eyes. "It has to be this way. I can't risk being summoned to the human realm until the time is necessary for me to make my presence known."

"But she is going to need you," She whispered against him. "I'm going to need you."

He smelled the fresh scent of salt before the wetness found his skin. It gave way to tears of his own because he needed her too. It was not in the cards for him though. Fate was not kind or relenting where he was concerned. "I know Andi but I promise I will be watching over you both."

"But…I'll never see you again, will I?"

That one question hurt the most. That was why he didn't want to say goodbye. "That I don't know but remember that part of me will be with her and my heart will forever remain in your safe keeping." He pulled her tightly against him, tucking her head under his chin. He needed to feel her against him just a little longer. Another pocket of silence fell over the room and he thought perhaps she'd finally fallen asleep until she spoke again.

"I'll love you for forever, you know that right?"

"Grabbed you into my world when you didn't even ask"

Draco knew. He knew it all too well because his heart felt exactly the same. Unfortunately forever for him was going to be a very long time. He would have no one once she was gone. She still had something to look forward to and a good decade left to go before the waiting for her would end. He needed her to cling to that, for his sake and her own. "Part of you will but you'll have Jude and by this time next year, a baby. Enjoy the life you've been given to the fullest. If you love me, let that go and live for her."

Her head tilted back to peer up at him from beneath wet lashes, her fingers seeking his and clinging tightly. "Stay with me until I fall asleep?"

"There's no place I'd rather be," he smiled before pressing his lips to the top of her head. "I love you Andi. Always have and always will.

She let out a sleepy yawn and hummed contentedly against him. "I love you too Drac, to the stars and back."

He laid there, remaining even when her breath drew steady in sleep. He was held captive watching the peace that settled on her facial features, burning every inch of her into his mind. It wasn't until the first rays of light peaked over the horizon that he forced himself to pull from the warmth of her embrace. He quietly dressed, careful to not make a sound as he moved about her apartment. He wrote "Drink me" on a piece of parchment that lay on her desk and set it under the vial on her nightstand. He chanced one last look down at her and felt the first sting of pain lance through his chest. This was a memory that he'd keep with him, the only thing that would warm him at night. He'd face whatever wrath was due him, his love for her trumped everything else.

He channeled his magic and closed his gate only to find himself in the middle of the throne room at the celestial palace. He knew he should have landed at the gate so this could only mean one thing. He was indeed in a world of shit.

"You didn't tell her..."

He spun around to find the King watching him with saddened eyes. "No, there was no point but I guess you'll punish me for this."

The old man studied him for a moment, his red eyes boring into his soul before he gave a sigh of resignation. "No. Why do you think I agreed to allow you to shift? I am just sorry circumstances have always kept you apart."

Draco blinked, having been fully ready to have his head at least pounded into the dirt a little. Even being back in his usual form, the King would take him out without breaking a sweat. The last thing he'd ever thought to expect was an apology from him. But apologize for what? "E-Excuse me?"

"But you always knew that you had a past"

A faraway look flashed in the older man's eyes before a soft smile settled on his lips. "Draco, I've always known. It's become my only regret. I love her in the way a father loves his child or a brother loves his sister. It's why I asked her to be the queen, offered her immortality here. I could not let her just die but she chose the mortal route in the end. She deserved to have that happiness at least once but now you've given her more than that. The last ten years of her life will be joyous, it's more than I could ever do for her."

The Celestial Dragon was staggered, to say the least, by the admission. He knew that the King had once been one of her spirits, in her past life. He clearly remembered his announcement of taking a queen when news of her impending death spread through the realm like wildfire. But he had never known the reason. He'd once thought it was for romantic reasons but it had been clear early on that was the case. And now to know that the old man had always known of their affections for one another. "Why didn't you ever say anything?"

The old man sighed and stood up from his throne, his shoulders sagging heavily. "Because the damage had already been done old friend. Had I thought for one moment that she would end up being the mate you sought, I would have found a way to make her yours instead of putting the wedge of ranks between you. For that, I am truly sorry and cannot beg for your forgiveness enough." He treaded down the steps and placed a hand on the dragon's shoulder. "Perhaps there will be a way but for now I will leave you in peace."

Draco watched the man exit the hall in stunned silence. It was too much too hope, so much that he did not dare to think of the possibility. Fate was not kind. A heavy sigh slipped from between his lips and he turned for the pool of water, his tail flickering over the smooth surface. His eyes locked on the woman who lay sleeping peacefully where he'd left her. His only regret was that it wouldn't be a child born of the two of them but the vial on her nightstand would ensure he ran through her veins. He'd considered giving his lacrima up the way Marux and Bahora planned to do with theirs but someone had to be on the outside in case something went awry. He didn't want to imagine Andromeda's eventual departure. He was already struggling knowing he would not be the man she spent the remainder of her life with. Knowing there would come a day he'd never get the chance to gaze upon her face or hear her voice killed a part of him. But then he knew she'd take that with her when she went and one day, he'd find a way to find her again. Hopefully in a capacity that he could truly be united with her the way it should be.

---

February 2, X792

"You're a part of me, you're in every breath that I breathe"

Freed hesitated as he approached the door to his best friend's home. No one had seen him since he'd stormed from the guild a week ago after Lucy had all but ran from the building as though the very devil were at her back. He knew of their issues, knew of her mistrust and doubts but he also knew his friend. There was no denying the man loved the celestial mage with a love he didn't realize the dragon slayer was capable of. He'd never seen his friend so entirely consumed with any one thing, much less a person. Just to satisfy his own misgivings for his ability to write runes since his had been all but destroyed once, he quickly checked the new barrier he'd erected. A sigh of relief passed from his lips when the purple hieroglyphics lit up like a Christmas tree. They were still there.

His fingers tested the doorknob and was surprised when he found it turn easily, the door creaking open. "Laxus?" He called as he pushed the door open and his jaw fell as he took in the destruction that was once the living room. What had once been a white, pristine couch was now ripped to literal shreds and scattered about the room. One of the two chairs that had been in there was now acting as lawn furniture in the back yard, the plate glass window shattered. The other chair lay split in two, blocking the entrance to the kitchen. Pictures that had once decorated the walls and mantle lay broken and torn on the floor. Empty whiskey bottles littered the room. A pile of loose papers and what looked to once be the cover of a hardback book lay smoldering in the fireplace. The only thing left intact was a single painting that now hung in the entrance way. It was the one of Tyra, Laxus' mother and the dragon who'd given him his lacrima.

An uneasy feeling settled in the pit of his stomach and he started for the kitchen only to pause when a noise came from the second floor. He glanced up the flight of stairs and swallowed hard as he slowly began making his way up. With the open window, anything or anyone could be in the house. What if the damage had not been caused by Laxus? The thought made him cringe because it was entirely possible. That man cherished the home he'd built. He scolded Bickslow and Evergreen for their usual, messy habits when they were there. Until Lucy came. She'd changed him. For the better he thought but now… His foot crunched on broken shards of glass and he paused, listening for any acknowledgement that he was there. But only a low groan came. It spurred him into action and he took the remainder of the stairs two at a time.

The only door open on the second floor was that of the master bedroom and Freed skidded to a stop outside of it. If the entryway to the room was any indication of what he was going to find inside, he knew this room would most likely be worse. Clothes and sheetrock debris blanketed the once pristine hardwood floors. He stepped carefully into the room, trying to miss the puddles of mysterious liquid, glass and other unknown objects that decorated the openings. He rounded the corner and inhaled sharply. Worse had been too mild a description, it was more like chaos and madness. This room, which he figured to hold the most memories, had been torn asunder until it barely resembled the pristine living space it had once been.

The king sized bed was clearly broken, the mattresses haphazardly sat upon the floor. The linens had been shredded and now acted as confetti. What was once pillows or so he figured, were now deflated cases. The stuffing was strewn about, some of it hanging from the light fixture on the ceiling. The closet doors barely hung by a hinge, the clothes inside pulled out and scattered to the four corners. The dresser was now merely a pile of wood, the drawers pulled out and broken to pieces. The armoire that had been purchased for the blonde, celestial mage when she'd moved in now lay face down on the floor. He shuddered to think of what the contents looked like. The picture collage that had once hung on the wall was missing as were the other paintings that had once decorated the room. The reading chair was in pieces and the lamp that had once been beside it was nowhere to be seen. In the center of it all lay a very passed out, only half dressed Laxus Dreyar with the dog sitting obediently beside him.

"And every step forward that I take and then I take a step backwards and I can't see your face"

He pulled the communication lacrima from his coat pocket as he carefully knelt down beside the dragon slayer. "Go lay down Bob," He said as he shooed the large beast of an animal off. "I will take care of your master. Go play." With just a look down, he was almost afraid to touch the man. A layer of something covered the slayer's skin and even with gloves, he was scared to touch. His obsessive-compulsive mind took flight, imagining all sorts of germs and creepy crawlies living in the film. Surely they were running amuck in the filth, breeding like rabbits and wild boar then hiding in dark crevices just waiting to attack a healthy human body like his own. The sheer horror of it gave birth to a full bodied shudder as he quickly called Bickslow. He would be the perfect candidate to discreetly dispose of the mess and help put things back in order. Preferably after he convinced the slayer to go on a mission. The guy seriously needed another outlet other than his home for his rage and stress.

"What's up Fre…WHAT THE FUCK HAPPENED?"

Freed winced at the sheer volume of the Seith mage's voice. Even through a lacrima the guy was overbearing and obnoxious. Sure, he was nice and had a heart of gold. Ok and perhaps he could even deem the guy attractive and like Laxus, had more brawn than most people in the guild put together…himself included. But did he really have to be a despotic, albeit moronic, brute about everything? He went from one extreme at times to another. Godzilla in a helmet to Five year old child who just discovered his penis got hard if he touched it all in the space of 0.25 seconds. He knew, he'd timed it once. "Inside voice Bickslow. I would prefer to not wake him just yet thank you."

The seith mage blinked a couple of times before grinning like an idiot as though it took him that long to understand. "So I guess the big guy kind of went a little nuts?"

He glanced around the room before a thin, refined brow arched. "I would venture to say he went, how would you say it? Oh, yes. Certifiable."

"Well explains why we haven't seen him in a few," the man on the other end chuckled. "Guess you're calling for a hand?"

One look around the room again and taking into account the mess he knew lay downstairs, a hand was the understatement of the century. What they truly needed was a wrecking crew and a couple of weeks. This was certainly not going to be an easy or quick task. "A few but Bickslow," he looked at the lacrima to give a silent expression of warning to the man. "Be choosey and as discreet as possible please." It wasn't the Dragon Slayer's reaction that he was more concerned about. Granted, he knew the guy would most likely throttle him for allowing anyone to see his home or him in such a state of disarray. His main concern was any of this getting back to Lucy. With her mind in such a fragile state where Laxus was concerned, he knew she needed to come home. Not scared off further for fear of the man going on a tirade while she was there.

"You got it man," Bickslow nodded before quickly adding. "I'd maybe get him up and awake before we get there. Don't need him waking up to find a bunch of us all up in his Kool-Aid and going ape shit on everyone."

"To say the least," he replied dryly. He quickly disconnected the call and reached over to give the unconscious man a shake but thought better of it. The man was going to be ten kinds of angry no matter how he was woken up and Freed liked his life. Loved it really. He had a lovely home, filled with more books than one could want, an adorable dog that loyally greeted him whenever he returned and the love of a beautiful woman. He wanted to keep all of that, and his body parts, just as they were. He pushed up from the ground and carefully made his way into the bathroom. He was surprised to find it clean, immaculate even. Compared to the two rooms he'd been in thus far, it was suddenly his favorite room of the house. Even if it did house a toilet. A home for what was surely to be the start of a zombie apocalypse, if one did indeed happen. Although his appears to be extremely clean. I wouldn't eat off of it but I could possibly stomach using it if I truly needed to.

"You're a part of me, you're in every song that I sing"

Turning away from his thoughts of flesh eating bacteria and brain chomping sub-humanoid beings, he set about the task of rifling through each cabinet for one particular item. He began to give up hope, thinking it preposterous that one did not keep a small bucket in the bathroom for times such as this. But as he opened the final cabinet door, a gleam set in his cerulean eyes as he pulled it out. He turned on the tub faucet and waited for the water to warm. The thought to use cold water had entered his mind but he quickly pushed it away for the sake of his body parts. What he had in mind was already going to be a rude enough waking but he had to do what necessary. There was no way he was touching the slayer, gloved or not.

Once the bucket was filled to the desired amount, he carefully hauled it out into the room and set it down in a spot he cleared. Without batting a single lash, he withdrew the sword from his side and quickly scribed a rune box around the unconscious Dragon Slayer. He placed the bucket on top, a devious glint sparkling in his eye and a small, barely noticeable smirk pulling at his finely formed lips. He was tempted to reach around and pat himself on the back, but that would just be an absurd show of vanity. He was not so debased as to stoop to that level. Even if he did consider his plan to be quite genius. With the timer set for enough time for him to vanish from the room and brew a quick cup of tea, this plan was magnificent. It would kill two birds with one stone. The ornery, sometimes violent dragon slayer would be roused from his booze induced coma and his life would be spared knowing the man would never be able to figure out just how it happened.

Once the countdown started, he casually strolled back down the stairs and sighed at the mess in the living room. It would wait for the "hired" help to arrive. He pushed the chair pieces from his path and moved into the kitchen. It was also in a state of shambles, dishes and pots pulled from their places in the cupboards. But everything was still in functional order. He pulled the empty kettle from the stove and quickly filled it only to place it back on the burner it came from. He set about whistling a happy little tune as he prepared the tea leaves he found. It took a little bit of searching and counter clearing to locate the sugar but a single glance at the time, he was ahead of schedule with two minutes left to go before the beast woke and hell descended upon the Dreyar home. The whistle sounded and he pulled the kettle from the heat and poured his cup. With mere seconds to spare, he was finally able to take a seat at the dining room table to wait.

A thud came from the floor above him and a loud roar split the silence. The water had done the trick, as he knew it would. Smiling smugly, he lifted the creamer container. The sound of dog paws and nails trotted back up the steps, most likely to inspect the ear piercing sound. He began to mentally countdown from fifty in his mind as he slowly stirred a small amount of the milky substance. When he reached twenty, he heard heavy footsteps thundering on the stairs. If he wasn't so elated with himself, he'd probably be quaking in his boots. After the addition of two cubes and a quick stir, he lifted the tea cup to his lips in time to find the seething Slayer filling the doorway of the kitchen. "Good morning Laxus," he smiled before taking a quick sip and humming contentedly as the warm liquid slid down his throat. "I hope you slept well. Would you care for a cup of tea? I have heard it can work wonders on a hangover such as the one I am almost positive you have."

"Why you little sh-" The Blonde slayer bellowed only to be cut off.

"Bro, why the fuck are you all wet with that shattered window like that? You're gonna catch your death or something."

"And every word that speaks to me"

Oh Bickslow. You poor, unfortunate reprobate with your ghastly timing and unsuspecting nature. I would perhaps pull that revolting tongue of yours back into your mouth if I were you. He bit his lip to keep any appearance of his smile from his features. He truly was evil. That was incredibly mean to do but it did serve them both right. All of the pranks they'd pulled on him over the years. The large dragon slayer slowly turned and a chord of remorse struck him. I guess I cannot very well let him die. He's a friend. He reached up to straighten the cravat then smoothed his hair, making sure his lightning bolt homage to the said dragon slayer was still in place. He couldn't let anything look amiss. Presentation was everything after all.

"You're going to die," Laxus growled and slowly advanced towards the Seith Mage who's eyes immediately went wide.

"What? No! I-I didn't do it!" Bickslow pleaded as he back peddled towards the entrance way.

Freed sighed and moved up to place a hand on the blonde male. "Laxus, it truly isn-AH!" His whole body jolted as electric arcs ignited over the dragon slayer's skin, transferring over to his own body by the connection of touch. "Son of BITCH DAMN MOTHER FUCKING DOG WHORE!" The words flew mindlessly from his lips as his eyes rolled back in his head. Every muscle in his body seized and he felt the earth quake beneath him. Or was that his own body trembling from the overload to his sensory ports and nerve endings. That intellect numbing, vertebral tingling burn just did not seem to end. After all of his hard work, he was to forfeit his life after all. Had he just allowed Laxus to go after Bickslow, he'd be perfectly fine. I'll come back and haunt him. He shall never be free from my ethereal presence!

It could have been eight seconds or eight hours that he rode the proverbial lightning, he wasn't completely sure. At some point the current died and his body fell boneless to the ground with a thud that probably should have sickened him. But he could not truly be bothered as he laid there on the mess that was Laxus' living room floor, unable to blink as he stared at ceiling above him. His encephalon tried dictating to the rest of his body that he needed to move. There was bound to be bacterial, microscopic organisms of doom, possible canine feces…maybe even human feces. While the last two were unlikely, as much debris that was scattered there was no sure way of telling.

"You stupid, stupid man!" Mira's voice filtered in to his daze. "You just killed my boyfriend! One of your best friends!"

"Oh calm down woman," Laxus moaned. "He isn't dead. I can see his chest moving."

"This is what I believe to be real…"

A stinging slap rang out in the room and something bubbled up in his chest. He tried to swallow it but another rose up and then another. His tightly held lips gave way and loud laughter burst forth from his mouth. Once it started, he found he couldn't stop it. Roll after roll of farcical laughter howled. When he thought that perhaps he'd gotten it all out, it would begin all over again until he felt tears streaming down the sides of his face. Surely the shock to his system had short circuited his brain.

"Ok maybe I did kill him."

Another slap sounded in the room before Mira's face came into view. "Shut up Laxus."

Her hands brushed over his face and finally his laughter died down to a series of soft chuckles. Finally his muscles obeyed his commands as his hand lifted to press a glove-covered palm to her face. "I-I am quite alright," he reassured. "Just had a small jolt to my system."

"Dude, Freed." Laxus' face came into view as he offered a hand of assistance. "I really didn't mean to shock you that bad. What the fuck were you doing here anyway?"

Freed gladly accepted the hand and allowed the man to hoist him up from the floor to his feet. His legs still felt a little gelatinous but he'd survive. His hands brushed at his front as feminine hands brush against his back, erasing the dirt and dust he knew had to be there. He'd have to bathe himself in bleach when he got home and burn the clothes he was wearing. Just to be safe. "I am the one who should apologize for intruding Laxus. I only came by to check on you and suggest a small mission to get your mind off of things. But…"

The blonde dragon slayer glanced around the room and shrugged. "Would probably be better than tearing my home apart." He paused as if contemplating something before uttering a single word. "Lucy…"

Bickslow came over to clasp a hand on the man's back, a sad smile settling on the visible part of his face. "Go. I'll keep an eye on her but I think Freed's right man. A little distance just might help you two sort shit out."

"This is my reality"

---

And there you have it! I know! A seriously long chapter but I think it was warranted.

So…Draco and Layla O.O Hehehe. Layla is/was Andromeda O.O. And finally, Aquarius didn't try to kill Lucy…much lol. Although, Laxus did try/not try to kill Freed. Who would've guessed our little green haired hottie was so devious muwahaha.

A little tidbit of useless/not useless knowledge. Alpheratz is the star that is generally used to find Andromeda's constellation. It is her "head" so to speak.

Hopefully this was worth the wait. Lord knows it went where I didn't intend for it to go. For those interested. I do have the picture of what our lovely Draco looks like as a human. He's so beautiful *drools* I will be updating my profile with a links section for pictures and the playlist thus far.

Don't forget!

~MidLu Week, October 2015~

GemNika and I have decided that it's high time Midnight gets some love. So, we've created MidLu Week. The dates are from October 25, 2015 – October 31, 2015. And here are the prompts:

Day 1: Birthday

Day 2: Clock

Day 3: Pin-Up

Day 4: Copy

Day 5: Silence

Day 6: Makeup

Day 7: Halloween

There was such a great turnout for CoLu week (hosted by Dragon'sHost and Eien ni Touko) that we wanted to see if we could get the same affection for our favorite Narcoleptic Reflector mage.

~BixLu Week, November 2015~

GemNika and I have officially lost our goddamn minds. So, we've created BixLu Week, and decided that it should begin on All Souls Day. What better day to give our favorite Seith mage some lovin'? The dates are from November 1, 2015 – November 7, 2015. And here are the prompts:

Day 1: Fix

Day 2: Hidden

Day 3: Home

Day 4: Doctor

Day 5: Vendetta

Day 6: Fluffy

Day 7: Space

Please let me know if you're planning on writing for either of these pairing weeks, so I can make sure to check out your stories! Get those fingers to the keyboard and get to work! I know I'm extremely excited to see what you all write!

But! Now on to work on some of my MidLu stuff and Soulful Fugue for you guys!

Till next time, Big hugs!

Princess Nana