Disclaimer: I do not own Fairy Tail, or it's characters; that right belongs to Hiro Mashima.

Author's Notes: This story is a belated and early Christmas gift to Dragonshost. The pairing is Lahar/Kagura, free-form, AU (Alternate Universe) that is the same as the One-shot Full Circle that I did for DragonsHost a few years ago, the pairing Doranbolt(Mest)/Lucy.


A smile curled his lips as he sat down, taking in the open space of the little outdoor cafe. It was quiet, quaint. He was taking a deep breath as he sat back and waited patiently for his companion to arrive. Lahar was not surprised when not even two minutes later, they arrived.

Being the gentleman, he prided himself on being he started to stand up only to go still when a hand came up, and a dark glint appeared in his companions' eyes. Knowing not to push limits, Lahar sat back down. Waiting for them to seat themselves before lifting a hand and motioning for the waitress to come over. Enjoying the smile that appeared on his companions face.

"You are staring again, Captain."

Blinking and feeling a bit of heat creep across his face at her chiding. He was not ignorant of the whispers in the office. Or the fact that his emotions seemed to slip from his tight control whenever she was around. But in the year since, Doranbolt had found Lucy Fernandez-Heartfilia. He had been assigned a new partner, an up and coming who was an unknown though he had not expected someone who was the polar opposite of his former partner.

"Forgive me, Miss Mikazuchi," he stated simply as he dropped his eyes.

"I find you have been doing that a lot lately, Captain," she stated in her perfunct manner. "Is there a reason?"

Feeling a bit startled and wholly put out of his element, Lahar tried to think of a rational, logical answer that would be acceptable. When he couldn't find one, he was about to state why, when a familiar laugh had him silently thanking whatever higher power existed. Turning his head, he saw his former partner walking down the street; arm draped across his companion's shoulders.

Was it by happenstance? Maybe? But Doranbolt's eyes caught his and lit up. Then the two were walking towards him and his companion. Lahar was no fool, he knew that Doranbolt would make this uncomfortable, but Lucy would balance him out. Somehow the bubbly blond woman had a knack for keeping his friend from being too much of an intrusive ass.

"Ah, Mr. Lahar, Miss Kagura! It is nice to see you," Lucy spoke up.

Lahar shot a glance at his companion, Kagura, not missing the look she was giving him. She wanted an answer, and she would be getting it. Knowing he was cornered now, Lahar would take the respite for what it was to collect his thoughts. Standing up, Lahar shook Doranbolt's hand and then accepted the hug that he had come to know was Lucy's norm. When they all were seated, the waitress had come back and taken their orders.


It was a few hours later, and they had talked a lot. Doranbolt had been caught up on what had been going on in the Ether Capture and Correction Force. And he had learned that Lucy had proposed to Doranbolt, as well as the fact that Kagura and Lucy went way back. Their mothers had been friends, and they had grown up together until their first year of Junior High when tragedy had struck Kagura's family. Lucy's father decided to move them due to a better location for his corporate offices.

To Lahar, it was astounding that he was amongst those who had prior connections. Or that it was Doranbolt who had suggested that Kagura replace him as Lahar's partner. But as he stayed silent and watched as the now engaged couple walked away, discussing small details of their ideal wedding, Lahar could feel the fine hairs on the back of his neck raise. Suddenly feeling like channeling a bit of Doranbolt and being facetious, Lahar turned slowly to look at Kagura and smile.

"You are staring, Miss Mikazuchi," he said, letting his tone tease as he watched her cheeks color slightly.

The way her dark eyes sparkled back at him as she collected herself, gave Lahar time to think how to word his reply to her previously asked question. Silently he sent a small thanks towards his former partner and his new fiance. With a tilt of his head, Lahar decided being himself would be the best.

"To answer your question from early, Miss Mikazuchi, the reason I stare is I find myself quite often enamored by you," he said, being blunt. "And that is due to you having caught my attention, and I don't mean professionally. But as a woman."

He didn't look away as she seemed stunned for a few seconds before she sputtered incoherently. Well aware that she was just as professional and private as he was, Lahar waited. He knew stating how he felt would be a make or break. That and she came from a bad background, her family killed by gangsters, who had sold her brother into slavery and left her for dead, which had led to her being withdrawn, contemplative, and rather combative. A thing he enjoyed, for it kept him mentally and physically on his toes around her.

"Captain... you are saying you have a personal... romantic interest in me?" Kagura asked.

Slowly Lahar nodded his head as he continued to stare at her, letting the smile he knew was on his face grow broader. She was an inspiration and a fighter. There was very little that Kagura couldn't do on her own. Between her physical prowess with hand to hand or her sword, on top of her unique and rare Ether Drive - Gravity Well.

"I do not know what to think or say. You have never given any indication," Kagura mumbled, her cheeks turning a soft pink. "To be honest... you are flattering me. That you'd even notice someone like me."

At this, he narrowed his eyes, showing his displeasure silently that he knew she was familiar with. This was a thing he didn't understand about her. A strong, confident, driven woman with talent that put herself down and rejected others for their interest.

"Kagura, you are more than you think. There is plenty I admire and appreciate about you," he said. "Your work ethic. What drives you to succeed. How you survive. And that smile you get when you help someone or know you have mastered something new. This past year has been rather enlightening working with you. Do not sell yourself short."

Lahar watched as her eyes went wide, mouth open just a little in shock as her blush deepened a few more shades. It behooved him that she didn't realize just how beautiful she was. Or why a lot of guys, even some women, were always hitting on her or asking her out.

"You... mean that?" Kagura whispered.

"Yes, and if you'd allow me, I would love to take you out on a real date here soon and get to know you outside of work," Lahar said, feeling nervousness in his gut.

Mentally he had prepared to be rejected by her, yet he was hoping that she would not. So as he watched her mull over what he just asked of her.

"I think I would like that a lot," Kagura finally said. "Since I have taken notice of you as well, Sir. Kind of hard not to when you try to beat me into the ground during practice, don't fear me using my Ether drive like others. In fact, with your Rune Ether Drive, you are able to adapt and push back. That keen intellect is a desirable trait."

Lahar felt his throat constrict at her omissions. This was praise from her, something she rarely did. But to hear her accept his offer and that she had potential feelings that were similar to his own.

He was about to reply when the loud ringing went off. Pursing his lips as he gave a small nod to Kagura, who was also pulling out the communication device to see who was calling them. Knowing it was more than likely work. They were, after all, on an extended lunch break.

THE END!