Erza's taking a mission at Crime Sorciere, going after the man she thought she always wanted. Is she leaving behind the man she thought she'd always have?
Natsu has friend-zoned himself, leaving Lucy and Lisanna in the lurch. He'd rather avoid them both than risk being a two-timer like Gray.
Gray (not actually a two-timer) just can't seem to catch a break. Maybe he just wasn't meant for romantic happiness. Or maybe it's time for a new direction.
Mira's stuck in the past, unable to accept that Laxus has his sights set elsewhere. Freed's never, never giving up on her, even if that means a broken heart.
Juvia's having second thoughts about Gray, but Lyon's ready to call it quits. Can she get her feelings sorted out in time, or will she be left with nothing?
And Toby's dating Jenny Realight. The Jenny Realight. Wait, what?!
Something's gotta give.
This is the Mazeverse series, a post-Tenrou AU where we put your ships in a blender and beat 'til smooth. Lyvia, Jerza, Grayza, Nalu, Nali, Lolu, Graylu, Bixanna, Gale, ElfEver, Miraxus, Laxana, MiraFreed as well as a handful of crackships and rare-pairs as we try to pair the spares. This is the Mazeverse. No ship is safe ;)
Happy Friday! New story this week. I wanted to explore what's going on in her head now that Natsu's run off. Also, I wanted to play with Gale and Lyvia as established couples... with Lucy as the single-friend.
Even if you're new to Mazeverse, you can treat this story as a stand-alone as long as you can suspend disbelief on Natsu running away (1-year-skip style).
I have this headcanon that if Juvia ended up with Gray, she'd join Team Natsu (that's actual canon, no?), but if she ended up with Lyon, she'd probably spend a fair amount of time with Gajeel and Levy and possibly be a floater with Team Shadow Gear. Maybe I'm just desperate for Gajeel and Juvia BroTP, lol. Maybe I just want to give Levy someone else to hang out with other than Jet and Droy...
Responding to a guest review on last week's story:
guest: Gajeel's way more awesome and sneaky than I give him credit for, most of the time. Although there might be some level of BroCode that governs what is or isn't legit when it comes to secrets and matters of the heart. As for the songs, after you commented, I actually went back and added some notes on what was chosen and why for any of my trivia buffs out there. (I'm not a huge movie buff, so I don't go out of my way to seek film trivia, but when I do watch behind-the-scenes stuff or cast interviews it tends to stick with me, for some reason.) Gray's my pick, hands down. I'll arm-wrestle you for him. XD It might be one of the reasons I whump him and I'll ship him with just about anybody (whereas I tend to leave Gajeel and Levy alone). Thanks for reviewing!
- K. Chandler
"Does that mean we're all done?" asked Lucy.
"I think so," said Juvia.
"Nice, and we didn't even have to pay for damages!" said Lucy. As much as she missed her regular team, she was pretty psyched at not having to clean up after Natsu and Gray. She could get used to this… "Y'know, I'm really starting to love working with Shadow Gear."
"I told you we were awesome," said Levy, flanked by Jet and Droy.
"Great, we're awesome. Can we go home now?" asked Gajeel.
"It's still pretty early," said Juvia.
"You know what that means," said Lucy.
"We're going shopping!" squealed Juvia, clasping her hands together.
"Oh, no. Not me," said Gajeel.
Lucy planted a hand on her hip. "We're all the way in Nerodyme. It's got the biggest shopping center on this side of Crocus!" said Lucy. "You can't just expect us to pass this one up."
"You girls have fun. I'm going to go and—"
"No way," said Levy. "What was the point of going shopping together if you were going to go and ditch? Now, come on!"
"We'll come with you, Levy," said Jet.
"Yeah, together!" agreed Droy.
Gajeel rolled his eyes. Then he sighed, falling in step next to Juvia as Levy and Lucy picked out the first store, a cute little clothing boutique.
"This is so lame," Gajeel complained. "I got better things to do than watch a bunch of girls pick over clothes."
"But it'll be fun, Gajee," said Juvia brightly.
"Sprinkler, I don't see you abusing your man this way. Why do I gotta stick around?"
"Because," said Levy. She let Gajeel catch up with her, taking his hand. "I thought it would be nice if we spent some time together."
"Besides, you don't see Jet and Droy complaining," Lucy pointed out.
"What, Laurel and Hardy over here?" retorted Gajeel.
"Be nice, Gajeel," said Levy.
"Heh-heh. Be glad I didn't say Dumb and Dumber," he said.
"Hey!" growled Jet over his shoulder.
As Levy and Gajeel headed off in one direction, Lucy and Juvia went in the other, leaving Jet and Droy to stand awkwardly next to a rack of neon crop tops.
"We're going with those two," said Jet, pointing at Levy and Gajeel.
"But…" started Droy. "Jet," he protested, but he followed as his partner went bounding up to Levy and Gajeel, trailing them like a lost puppy.
"You gonna keep on following us?" growled Gajeel.
Levy shot Gajeel a warning look. "Okay, you guys," said Levy. "Why don't you wait outside?"
"Works for me," said Jet. "Come on, man."
"How come you let them go and not me?" Gajeel asked.
"Because I actually need your help," said Levy.
"Great," said Gajeel, his tone clipped.
"Well, don't sound too excited."
Lucy flipped through the racks, not really paying attention.
"That'd be a great color on you," said Juvia.
"What? Oh, thanks!" Lucy looked at the item she had in her hand, a lavender, cotton tank top with a heart-shaped cut-out near the neckline. It was casual, but still cute; sexy but still fun. Lucy nodded. "I could always use more tops. What about you? Are you looking for anything in particular?"
"Just something cute to wear out," said Juvia. "Something good for date night."
"You can never go wrong with a little black dress," said Lucy, forcing a smile. She had forgotten that Juvia was in a relationship.
"True," said Juvia. "But I think I need something that's not so formal, but still a little dressy. I know Lyon likes to treat me to a lot of nice places, but I feel like I'm out of outfits for when we go someplace less fancy," she explained. "I'm going to check that rack over there. Be right back."
With Juvia browsing on her own, Lucy was left with nothing but her own thoughts to occupy her.
Levy was dating Gajeel. Juvia was seeing Lyon. Even Erza was spending her days with Jellal at Crime Sorcière. Lucy had to be the only single girl left!
Was there something wrong with her? Something that made her less attractive than the others? She couldn't help but wonder.
With a sigh, Lucy found herself watching Levy and Gajeel.
"You're always such a jerk," complained Levy. "Could you hand me that?"
"The green one?" asked Gajeel.
"No, the orange one," said Levy. "Why would I want the green one?"
"I don't know." Gajeel pulled the requested dress from the rack, passing it to her. "Why do you always wear orange?" asked Gajeel.
"Why don't you ever cut your hair?" asked Levy, tugging at the fabric gently to test the stretch of it.
"Never dis the hair," said Gajeel.
Levy laughed to herself, holding the dress out in front of her. "So, what do you think?"
Gajeel shrugged.
"Gajeel. Did you even look at it?" asked Levy.
"Yeah, I looked at it."
"And…"
"I think the skirt needs to be shorter."
Lucy almost gasped. That dress would probably hit her friend mid-thigh! And Gajeel wanted her to wear it shorter?
Levy smacked him in the arm. "You can't say that!" she gasped.
"What? I meant it as a compliment," insisted Gajeel. "It's not like you can't afford to show a little more leg, Shrimp."
"We're in public!" she hissed.
"What does that matter? Besides, a long skirt makes you look tinier than you already are."
Levy huff, her features scrunching in annoyance. "Are you calling me short?"
"Are you saying you're not?"
"Gajeel," snapped Levy. "First you perv on me, then you call me short. That's got to be the most insensitive thing I've ever heard you say." She threw her hands up in exasperation as she disappeared into the dressing room, pulling the curtain shut behind her.
"Oh, come on, Shrimp!" called Gajeel. "More insensitive than when I 'accused' you of mood swings when you freaked out on me last week? Or how about when I said that you looked like an alien in your baby pictures?"
"Stop while you're ahead," called Levy.
"And for the record, I like short girls," he tried.
"Then why were you complaining about it?" Levy's muffled voice shot back.
"I wasn't," said Gajeel.
"You know what? Forget it."
"Look, I'll prove it. I'll even make that the topic of my next song so the whole world knows. My girl looks like an alien. I'm in love with an alien," sang Gajeel. "She's moody, but I like it that way. And I wanna see her, see her, ev'ryday! My girl, my girrrl! My girl looks like an ali-e-en. I'm in love—"
"Seriously, Gajeel?" sighed Levy. She threw the curtain back, one hand planted on her hip. The dress fit her well, emphasizing her slender frame and perfect legs.
"…Wow!" said Gajeel. He had frozen in place, his hand still posed to strum his air guitar.
"You like it?" asked Levy.
Gajeel gave her an admiring look. "You look hot."
Levy fought a grin. "Not too long?" she said.
"Not when it's a whole dress," said Gajeel. "I thought it was just the bottom part."
"You mean a skirt? Why would you think that?" said Levy, laughing.
"I don't know?" Gajeel threw his hands up sheepishly. "It looked like a skirt and it looked way too long, like it was going to drag all over the floor and you were going to trip and fall because you're so sho— How was I supposed to know it was a dress?"
"It's common sense," said Levy, shaking her head.
"Maybe for a girl," muttered Gajeel.
"It's got a cinched waist," said Levy, pointing at the fitted waist. "Where did you think it this was supposed to go? Around my knees?"
"Don't ask me. Look, I don't get how these things work, okay?"
Levy's expression softened. "But you liked it."
"Yeah, I like it, okay?" said Gajeel.
"Well, in that case… It looks like I'm buying it," said Levy. She tucked the dress over her arm.
"Uh-uh! No way!" growled Gajeel, following as she took it to the register. "Are you even listening to me?"
"Sure am. You just said you liked it," said Levy.
"I know what I said," said Gajeel. "But you still shouldn't get it."
"You can't tell me what I can't buy. It's my money," said Levy. She paid for the dress and took the bag the sales lady handed her.
"That's not the issue here, Shrimp," said Gajeel.
"Then what's your problem?"
Gajeel gave the paper shopping bag an accusing look. "You look way too good in that," said Gajeel. "I don't want other random guys drooling all over you."
Levy turned a cute shade of pink, mouth hanging open in surprise. "…You're such an idiot," she finally sighed. Then her expression turned serious. "Does the idea of other guys really bother you that much?" she asked.
"Well, yeah. Shouldn't it?" asked Gajeel, folding his arms over his chest. "You're my girl," he added, his voice soft.
"Wow. You know, you can be sweet when you aren't being a total jerk," she whispered.
"Yeah, yeah, whatever," said Gajeel, yelping when Levy smacked him in the arm.
Lucy shook her head fondly. She'd never understand those two. Gajeel and Levy fought about the most ridiculous things, but they seemed to genuinely enjoy each other's company.
Lucy was happy for her friend, but she couldn't help but feel a little jealous.
"Hey, Lu, I'm all done. You girls ready?" asked Levy, purchase in hand. "Where's Juvia?"
"Almost finished," said Juvia, stepping out of the fitting room, a smile on her face and something folded over her arm.
"Find something you liked?" asked Lucy.
Juvia held the dress to her chest, a daring number with a sweetheart neckline on an embellished cream-colored bodice and a flared navy-blue skirt.
"That's looks great!" said Levy. "You have to buy that!"
"She doesn't have to," Gajeel pointed out.
Levy scowled, prodding Gajeel in the ribs.
"But I thought you wanted something less formal," said Lucy.
"I know, but I just couldn't resist," bubbled Juvia.
"You're not buying that for your boyfriend, are you, Sprinkler?" said Gajeel.
"Of course not!" said Juvia seriously. "He wouldn't fill it out the right way."
"You know that ain't what I meant," growled Gajeel.
"I don't understand..." Juvia blinked, stone-faced for a moment before breaking into a teasing grin. "Juvia has no idea what you're talking about," she sang out.
Gajeel gave a snarl of annoyance.
"Behave," said Levy.
Juvia didn't seem to mind. "Don't worry about that, Levy. Gajee's always like this," she said with a shrug.
They left the store after Juvia paid for her dress.
"Where are Jet and Droy?" asked Levy.
"Probably doing what any sane guy would be," said Gajeel. "Going somewhere else so they can look at something that's actually interesting."
"Forget them. Where do we want to go next?" asked Lucy, looking around. "Want to look for more clothes?"
"What about the stationery store?" asked Levy.
"Nobody wants to go there," said Gajeel.
"I want to go there," said Levy. "I'm out of sticky-notes."
"Well, I want to look at guitars," said Gajeel.
"You mean overpriced guitars that you aren't really going to buy?" asked Levy. "I actually want to buy sticky-notes."
"It's not about buying them," said Gajeel. "It's about thinking about buying them and what that would be like."
"That is so pointless!" said Levy.
"Your face is pointless," retorted Gajeel.
"Did you just—" Levy broke off midsentence as someone's lacrima sounded.
"Sorry, that's me," said Juvia. Her face lit up as she recognized the caller. "It's Lyon!" she said with a giddy grin.
"Ooh," Lucy catcalled. "Put him on speaker," she said eagerly.
"I don't think so," said Juvia.
"Yes! C'mon, Juvia!"
"Oh, all right." Juvia nodded as she accepted the call. "Hello, darling!"
"Juvia! Just calling to check in. How are things? You had a job in Nerodyme today, right?"
"We finished already," said Juvia. "We decided to go to the mall."
"You mean that big, famous one?" he asked.
"That's it," said Juvia. "It's the third-largest mall in all of Fiore. Since we're all the way out here, we just couldn't pass it up."
"Hm."
"What?"
"Nothing," said Lyon. "Nothing at all."
"Oh, okay. Do you want me to get you anything while we're out? This mall has just about every kind of store imaginable."
"I might have a better idea…" He chuckled.
"What would that be?" asked Juvia curiously.
"Turn around."
Juvia turned slowly, her eyes lighting up. She let her shopping bag slip from her fingers, where it hit the floor with a rustle.
For there, a little ways behind them, was Juvia's boyfriend. Lyon grinned, lacrima in one hand, the other raised in greeting.
"Lyon!" she squealed, bounding up to him.
He scooped her up into a hug, making her giggle as he lifted her off the ground.
"How are you, Juvia?" asked Lyon as he set her down.
"Better, now that you're here," she sighed, leaning into his chest.
"Didn't she see him just last week? Those two act like they haven't seen each other in months," whispered Lucy, shaking her head. She didn't understand how Juvia could get so wrapped up.
"It's all relative, Lu," said Levy. "They say time passes differently when you're in love."
"It does?" asked Lucy. "I mean, of course it does!" She had never noticed anything like that before. Of course, did that mean that she was never actually in love?
"You mean that you had no idea," said Gajeel.
"Look at them," said Levy. "It's like they're in their own little world."
"But what are you doing here? Aren't you with your team?" asked Juvia, looking around.
"We finished up a little early, too. I thought I'd take a detour and surprise you before I went home. Of course, that meant putting Yuka in charge, and I hope I don't regret it, but other than that, not a big deal."
Juvia frowned. "But… Wasn't your job in Kidan? That's in the opposite direction of Lamia Scale."
"That's why it's called a detour," said Lyon.
"You shouldn't have done that!" said Juvia.
"Well, I can leave if that's what you'd like," huffed Lyon.
"No! You're not allowed," pouted Juvia, tightening her grip around him.
Lyon laughed as he pulled her close. "Oh, sweet Juvia."
Lucy could hardly believe this was the same man that they'd gone head-to-head with as the Cold Emperor. He seemed so normal. It was almost romantic.
And really, really weird.
"If I knew we'd run into you, I would have worn something nicer," said Juvia.
"No need for that," said Lyon, brushing her cheek gently with the pad of his thumb. "You're perfect just the way you are."
"I like getting dressed up for you," said Juvia.
"And I appreciate the effort, believe me," said Lyon. "But don't feel like you need to do that on my account."
"Oh, Lyon," she sighed.
"I love you," he said.
She leaned in, as if to kiss him, but she turned at the last second, pecking him on the cheek. "Sorry…" she whispered.
"What for?"
"I don't know… I just…" Juvia trailed off, shaking her head.
"Juvia," he admonished. "Silly girl. Remember what I said? No apologies."
"I know… but…"
"Shh. Enough." Lyon took her hands in his, bringing them up as he brushed his lips across her knuckles. "Is this okay?" he asked softly.
"More than okay," said Juvia. "Here, come meet everyone."
Lyon slipped his arm around Juvia's shoulders, following her back to where Lucy and the others were waiting.
"Everyone, this is Lyon," said Juvia.
"I think I've met most of your friends," said Lyon. "Lucy. And Gajeel and his lady friend. And, actually, I don't know your name, I'm sorry," he said to Levy.
"It's Levy."
"Levy. I knew you weren't named after shellfish," he quipped with a superior smirk.
Levy laughed. "It's fine," she said. "I don't really care. See, Gajeel, why can't you be more like him?"
Gajeel shot Lyon a withering look.
Lyon bent to pick up Juvia's abandoned bag, handing it back to her.
"Oh!" she gave a sheepish smile. She looked like she had forgotten all about it. "Thank you."
"You should totally come hang out with us," said Lucy. These two were the epitome of cute, and there was no way she was going to let them out of her sight. They'd make good material for the book she was working on.
"I'd like that. Shall we?" Lyon asked, linking hands with Juvia. "So, what did you buy?" asked Lyon.
"No peeking," said Juvia playfully. "It's a surprise."
"Oh? You mean a present?"
"Sort of." Juvia nodded. "It is for you. It's not quite a present, but… you'll see. I can't wait to show you."
"Keeping me in suspense," commented Lyon. "That isn't very nice."
"Patience is a virtue," said Juvia.
"Good thing I know how to wait."
"Looks like you bought something too," she said, pointing at the small bag that he was carrying. It looked more like a gift bag than a shopping bag.
"Ah, yes," said Lyon. "Except I'm not going to keep you waiting for yours. For you," he said, presenting her the bag.
Juvia's eyes lit up as she dug into her present. She pulled out a stuffed plushie shaped like a smiling raindrop.
She gasped. "It's adorable!" she cooed.
Lyon chuckled. "So, you like it? I picked it up in a gift shop on my way in. I wasn't quite sure about it."
"It has your eyes," Juvia pointed out.
"…Is that a good thing or a bad thing?"
"I like your eyes."
"Aren't they cute?" asked Levy.
"You know, I was just thinking that," said Lucy.
"Wow," snorted Gajeel. "An emoji plush. That's nice. Hey, at least it's not the one that looks like a pile of sh—"
"Gajeel!" scolded Levy, elbowing him in the side. "You're being rude!"
Lyon held up a hand to wave her off. "I'm glad you think so, Gajeel. I think it's a bit more creative than the Umbrella of the Month club," he added in a superior tone. "Don't you?"
"The what?" growled Gajeel.
"Don't worry, Gajee. I love your umbrellas," Juvia assured her friend.
"Juvia was telling me all about it, just the other day. What are you up to now, 37? Must be quite a feat finding that many different umbrellas. I applaud your ingenuity."
"Just be glad I owe you one. You're asking for a pounding."
"Don't worry. I don't fight with children," said Lyon.
"Lyon!" Juvia said reproachfully.
"Do I need to separate you two?" asked Lucy. "I swear, you're just like Natsu and Gray…"
"Salamander?" snorted Gajeel.
"Gray?" asked Lyon incredulously.
"Don't compare me to that idiot!" they chorused together before glaring at each other.
"Well, that's one thing you agree on," said Levy.
They walked around the mall for a short while, stopping into different stores along the way. Lucy found a magic supply store with all the latest gadgets. She was strongly tempted by a broach that guaranteed her a good hair day. She almost bought it, too! She would have if Juvia and Levy hadn't convinced her to save her money for rent. Stupid rent.
Lucy kept to the side of the group, watching the others chat happily with their significant others and rolling her eyes as the men trade playful jabs. It wasn't that they were ignoring her exactly. Both Juvia and Levy tried to include her in their conversations, but it just wasn't the same.
Gajeel disappeared for a little bit and returned with a few packs of colored sticky-notes for Levy. It was surprisingly cute of Gajeel, and Levy seemed pleased, until she saw the pack of bright green ones shaped like alien heads. That earned him a whack in the arm and a thorough reaming out.
As for Lyon and Juvia, Lucy wasn't quite sure what they were doing. They were whispering and laughing to themselves like a giant sappy romantic cliché. It was almost too much. Were they looking at… kitchen appliances? Of all things! Lucy might have been jealous if they didn't look so ridiculous.
Lucy sighed.
When it was just Levy and Gajeel, she had Juvia to hang out with, and it wasn't a big deal. Now Juvia was walking with Lyon and Lucy didn't even have Jet and Droy. She felt a little out of place.
It was awkward being the third wheel. Or maybe it was the fifth wheel? Either way, it left Lucy feeling unsettled. Where was Natsu when you needed him?
Lucy wondered what Natsu would have been doing if he were with them. Probably off destroying something as he ran around like a maniac. Lucy sighed. Natsu was exhausting, but she couldn't help but miss him.
She wondered if he missed her.
But it wasn't like she liked him or anything. Natsu was just a friend. One that had become a big part of her life, coming to her apartment all the time and taking her on all kinds of crazy jobs and cool new adventures. She missed that. And it hurt a little that he hadn't said a word when he and Happy went—well, wherever they went… He hadn't even told her that he was leaving, let alone where he was going.
And that hurt.
Stupid Natsu.
They recovered Jet and Droy as they passed the comic store. The boys happily rejoined the group now that they were looking at a wider variety of things, and not just girls' clothes. But Lucy soon realized that getting stuck with those two wasn't much better.
"You wanna know what I'm thinking?" Droy piped up.
"Not really, but I'm sure you're going to tell us," said Gajeel.
Levy prodded him hard in the ribs.
"Ow! Geez, Shrimp! What was that for?" yelped Gajeel.
"You know what that was for," said Levy coolly.
"That actually hurt this time," complained Gajeel.
"Maybe you'll stop being such a jerk, then," said Levy, reaching to smack him again, but stopping when Gajeel caught her wrist.
Jet ignored Levy and Gajeel as they traded jibes and jabs.
"What are you thinking, Droy?" asked Jet. "I actually do want to know."
"Everyone's all paired up and stuff," observed Droy.
"Not quite everyone," Lucy reminded him.
"Except us," conceded Jet.
"Right. Well, maybe you and me should get together," said Droy. "That would even out our numbers and stuff."
"Ew. Nobody wants to date your ugly face," said Jet. "No offense, buddy."
"Plus, think about what you're actually saying," said Lucy. "How's that supposed to even out our numbers? There's still going to be seven of us."
"Yeah, you're right," sighed Droy. "That was a dumb idea."
"It was a nice try, though," said Jet. "Maybe we should steal Levy back from Gajeel."
"You can't be serious," said Lyon.
"Gajee would probably wipe the floor with you," agreed Juvia.
Jet's shoulders slumped in defeat. But then his eyes lit up. "Are you thinking what I'm thinking?" asked Jet.
"Maybe," said Droy. "What are you thinking?"
Jet and Droy exchanged glances looked at each other. "Maybe we should both date Lucy!" they chorused.
"Um, no thanks, you guys… I really don't envy you, Levy," said Lucy. "Levy. Levy?"
Levy's shoving match with Gajeel had turned into playful roughhousing. Levy laughed as she squirmed against Gajeel's grasp around her waist.
"Hm? Did you say something, Lu?" asked Levy, grinning widely, her face still flushed.
"Never mind," sighed Lucy.
"Are you sure—Gajeel, we're in public!" giggled Levy, as Gajeel picked her up.
"I ain't doin' nothing!" Gajeel protested. "Just trying to keep you from trying to attacking me."
"I'm not attacking you!" said Levy, kicking her feet in the air.
"Yes, you are! Look at this. You're trying to kick me."
"Don't—don't drop me! Gajeel, if you drop me, I'm going to kill you. Seriously, put me down now."
Gajeel did, but he didn't stop grinning. "Help! This Shrimpy girl is, like, tryin' to kill me! She looks tiny, but man, can she pack a punch!" Gajeel shouted.
Levy smacked him in the chest. "Do you hear how ridiculous you're being? Quit shouting. People are staring," she hissed.
"That's not 'cause I'm shouting. That's 'cause you're beautiful."
"What?"
"It's 'cause you're beautiful," he repeated, grinning broadly. "Heh-heh."
"Seriously, Gajeel?"
"What? I really don't get it, Shrimp. You say I don't pay enough attention, then you get all grumpy when I call you beautiful."
"I am not grumpy!"
Lucy was distracted from their argument by the sound of another lacrima.
This time it was Lyon's. He scowled at it.
"Do you need to take that, darling?" asked Juvia.
Lyon sent it to voicemail without hesitation. "Take what?" he asked, slipping his arm back around Juvia's shoulders.
Juvia laughed softly.
Almost immediately, the lacrima rang again. Lyon glanced at it, concern creeping into his expression. "My team. Again," he explained, accepting the call before stepping aside with an apologetic shrug. "What?" he snapped into the phone. "Somebody had better be dying right now, otherwise I'm hanging up."
Lucy couldn't hear the response, but it sounded like two voices talking over each other, frantically. If she had to guess she'd say it was Sherry and their teammate with the crazy eyebrows.
"He did what? What do you mean he got away?" Lyon demanded. "Just how did you manage to botch that one up? Never mind that, just worry about taking him back into custody so you can turn him in. Well, can't you just—" Lyon sighed. "Yeah. Fine. Okay. Just give me a minute. I'll be right there."
Lyon rejoined the group with an irritated expression.
"What's the matter?" asked Juvia.
"Bad news," he said to Juvia. "The man we apprehended managed to give my team the slip. They'll need my help to take him back into custody. I had thought they would be able to handle him, but apparently, that wasn't the case. Clearly, I underestimated him. Or overestimated them."
Did that mean that… Lyon was leaving?
Lucy bit back a smile, clasping her hands behind her back and trying to look bored instead. She couldn't help but be glad that Lyon was going to leave. That meant that she wouldn't be stuck by herself anymore!
But Juvia looked far from happy, her eyes downcast and chin tucked near her chest. It made Lucy feel a little guilty.
"I'm sorry, Juvie," said Lyon. "I had been looking forward to spending the afternoon with you," he sighed.
"That's all right," said Juvia. The she brightened, straightening to her full height. "What are we waiting for? There's no time to waste!"
"We?" asked Lyon. He blinked, looking startled.
"Of course."
"Juvia, the man's wanted for at least four counts of manslaughter, to say nothing of what else he might have done when he was running with the dark guilds," he said in a dark tone. "He used to be a member of Headless Zombie, but he's gone rogue now."
"That's good, right? The fact that he's defected?" asked Juvia.
Lyon shook his head. "That only makes him even more erratic. No telling what he'll do."
"He sounds dangerous," said Juvia.
"Very. And if you think for one minute that I'd willingly put you in harm's way like that, you're insane," said Lyon sharply.
"All the more reason for you to bring me along. Lyon, darling, be reasonable. I'm sure you could use an extra mage on hand," said Juvia.
"Absolutely not," snapped Lyon, his jaw tightening. "What makes you think I'd even consider letting you come with me?"
Juvia frowned, taken aback.
"That came out harsher than I intended," said Lyon, squeezing his eyes shut. "I apologize."
"Okay," said Juvia. "I understand."
"I'm really sorry, Juvia—"
"I know you have to go," said Juvia slowly. "Duty calls."
"I'll make it up to you. I promise. Rain check?" he asked.
Juvia let out a shaky breath, her features scrunching up.
"Are you still upset with me? I'm sorry for snapping at you," said Lyon.
"No. No, it's not that." Juvia shook her head. "I just… I'm worried."
"About what?" he asked gently.
"About you!" she burst out, blinking like she wanted to cry.
"Don't be," said Lyon. He folded her into a hug, stroking her back. "It's all ri—"
"Why shouldn't I be worried?" demanded Juvia. She pushed him to arm's length so she could glare up at him. "You're going on this job that's too dangerous to take me along on, and you expect me to just… be okay with it? Do you think I could just not care about something like that? Do you think so little of me?"
"Juvia. Listen to me. I did not say it was above your skill level. What I said was that I wasn't comfortable being the reason for your involvement. It's two different things."
"I don't understand," said Juvia. "What difference does that make? You know I don't mind helping you."
"Sweetheart, I know you don't," said Lyon. "I'm so proud of you for your courage. And I can't even begin to tell you how glad I am that you'd do something like that for me. It means the world to me. But that's the problem. The very thought of it…" Lyon sucked in a terse breath. "Just having you there would worry me so. What if you got hurt? Or worse?"
Juvia's expression softened, her eyes still painfully bright. "Oh, Lyon…" she breathed.
"Please. Please, don't make me do something like that," begged Lyon, his voice breaking. "I simply could not live with myself if something happened to you… especially if it were my fault."
"Okay," said Juvia quietly. "I think… I think I understand now."
"Are you sure?"
Juvia nodded. "Just be careful."
"I will. I promise." Lyon cupped her face, brushing his thumbs over her damp cheeks. "You have absolutely nothing to worry about, sweetheart. You and I have both gone on worse jobs than this. We're guild wizards. This is the life we've chosen. Besides, this criminal is no match for me. I caught him once, didn't I? Have a little faith. I'll be fine."
"I know, I know…" said Juvia, blinking away the tears that remained in her eyes as she tried to smile.
"Please don't worry over this anymore."
"I can't help it, though…"
"You're giving yourself crow's feet frowning like that," said Lyon seriously. He traced the side of her face, smoothing the corners of her eyes. "And we can't have that, can we, Miss Juvie?"
His teasing coaxed a watery giggle out of her.
"Are you okay now?" he asked.
Juvia nodded, dabbing at her eyes. She let out a steadying breath. "I understand where you're coming from, and I respect that you want to protect me."
"It's not just a want. It's more of a need," interjected Lyon.
"But I need you to understand something," said Juvia.
"I'm listening."
"When I chose you, I was choosing to face life's challenges with you. I know that you think you have this one under control—"
"I don't just think, I know."
Juvia silenced him with a finger to his lips. "—and if that's the case, okay. I'll stay out of it, this time, because I trust you. But if there ever comes a time when my involvement will make the difference between you coming home in one piece and… and… something else," Juvia broke off with a shaky breath, "then you will make no objections to my help. I deserve that much, at least."
"All right." Lyon nodded.
"I'm serious, Lyon. This is a deal-breaker for me," insisted Juvia. "If I ever find out that something happened to you because you thought you were 'protecting' me or you were too proud to call me or something, I don't know what I'd do," she choked.
"I won't let my pride jeopardize our relationship. I promise. And I'll call you if I ever need you to protect me," he added with a wry smile.
"What are you smiling at?" asked Juvia.
"Just thinking about how much I love you," he said. He pulled her into another hug, pressing his lips to the crown of her head. "But I do actually have to go now," he reminded her gently.
She nodded. "Call me when you get done. I won't be able to relax until I know."
"I'll be sure to."
"I love you." Juvia threw her arms around his neck, rising on her toes to peck him on the cheek.
Lucy made a face. Who kissed their boyfriend on the cheek after all of that? It was weird. Lyon and Juvia weren't like Gajeel and Levy, who badgered one another all day. She was a little bit surprised to see that they had their share of arguments too.
Levy and Gajeel had other thoughts.
"Poor Juvia," said Levy. "I don't know how she does it."
"Still want me to be more like him?" asked Gajeel.
Levy shook her head. "I wouldn't trade what we have for the world."
"Heh-heh." Gajeel gave a smug grin. "Shoo-be-doo-bah."
So, hope that was fun - a different look at these ships than we've seen previously. Something a little less than perfect. Let me know what you thought. True to life? Too much? Still a bad rom-com?
Poor Lucy! It sucks to be the single friend. It might help if she talked things over with Levy and Juvia.
Next time, in [Mazeverse] Fifth Wheel, some girl talk: "I think it's really cool that you guys found your Mr. Right," said Lucy. "It must be awesome to be with someone who's perfect for you."
Stop back next Friday for the next installment, or just follow me, Karine of R011ingThunder.