Disclaimer: I do not own Fairy Tail or its characters, that right belongs to Hiro Mashima.

Author's Note: Remember there was a significant Time JUMP between the last chapter and this one. No, I feel no remorse and just know Lucy is now old enough to enter High School. So if you do not like that, I politely ask you toturn around and leave now because I don't see the point in you wasting your time and mine.

Author's Note 2: This word is courtesy of the amazing DragonsHost, who is hosting Lahar/Lucy week this year, Starting December 6th to 12th. I have given her the reigns for my OTP Pairing.

Ho·me·o·sta·sis /ˌhōmēəˈstāsəs/

noun

the tendency toward a relatively stable equilibrium between interdependent elements, especially as maintained by physiological processes.

Slowly opening her eyes, Lucy let a gust of air escape through her pressed lips. There was nothing but silence in the car as it waited for the light to turn green. A part of her was excited since (thanks to her grandfather) she was actually getting to attend a (semi)public school. Fairy Tail High was an Arts Programme School. Designed for the various fine arts and only took in those students who could prove their talent.

"Miss Lucy?"

Letting her eyes meet the drivers in the rear-view mirror and smiled. She also got to be chauffeured to and from school by her Grandfather's personal driver, Capricorn. He was an older man, and often he reminded her that he looked like the Zodiac he was named for. Stubborn as an old goat, yet very warm, affectionate, and made sure that everything ran smoothly when he wasn't driving. In the last seven years of living with her father, she knew (learned) that there was more to her mothers' side of the family. The connections that the Clan had to various businesses, organizations, and the Royal Family. They helped maintain a balance behind the scenes.

"Yes?" she asked, tensing as he pulled forward and swung, tightly, around the corner.

"Are you okay?"

Lucy paused and thought about what he was and wasn't asking her. Then slowly, Lucy nodded her head as an answer. There had to be a price to pay for getting to attend Fairy Tail High, and that price was that her father got to pick out a suitable husband for her to be engaged to. A small part of her was betrayed; her grandfather had agreed to this, but at least there was a clause (thanks to Mavis and Cassiopeia) worked in that she could reject the person after doing a more traditional courting period. It was a small concession, allowing Lucy to maintain peace of mind; she wasn't being used as a doll to be sold to the highest bidder.

Not that it mattered, on the heels of her living with her father after her mother passed, Lucy's world has been severely shaken. Her childhood friends were cut out of her life as if they were cancer. Any try to make contact resulted in a very unpleasant punishment that never left a visible mark.

So, as the car pulled up to the curb of Fairy Tail High, Lucy forced her smile to stay in place as she mentally wished that her friends were with her right now. The first day of a new school year, going with those she trusted and enjoyed the company of? Nope, she was alone. Turning, Lucy gave Capricorn a parting wave, who had waited until she had done so to pull away from the curb. Leaving her to attend school for the first time in seven years.

"Lu- Is that really you, Lucy Heartfilia?"

Blinking to help her eyes adjust to the dimness inside the school, Lucy spun around to see who had called out to her. The voice caused a sense of familiarity to stir deep inside her. Slowly her body swung to look at the person who called out to her. Feeling as if reality was tilting; as the air in her lungs seemed to freeze when her eyes landed on the person.

"Holy shit! It is you! Wow, look what time can do!"

Lucy felt her lips pull into a wide smile as she rolled her eyes. She, too, couldn't believe what she was seeing; it was none other than Lyon. Last she had heard, he had moved away when his parents had divorced, which had her softening her gaze as he reached her. Before she could do anything, Lucy was squeaking as he pulled her into a bear hug.

"I cannot believe you really are here. I mean, when I was told that we were getting a new student Friday and saw the folder with a non-flattering picture included, my world was rocked!"

Unable to help herself, Lucy started to laugh as she hugged him back. The warmth of contact made her body instantly relax. She was happy to see an old face that looked very new.

"Oh? So you're the President of the Student council? Wow, Lyon, you have come up in the world," She teased.

"Hey, hey now, I will have you know that I grew up a lot over the past seven years," he said, clearly pouting as he let her go. "And no, I am not Student Council Prez. I am the Vice President and in a few minutes will be having my butt possibly reamed for snagging the file and dashing here to see you first."

Again, Lucy found herself blinking up at her childhood friend as another fit of giggles escaped her lips. It was as if something seemed to click into place, like a puzzle piece to help complete the puzzle.

"You would be correct, Batista."

Lucy watched as Lyon stiffened and flinched as a tall, muscular blond hulk came up behind him. Doing her best to smooth her face out, Lucy watched as Lyon turned to look at the guy. Very well aware of whom Laxus Dreyar was since his Grandfather ran the school and was friends with her own Grandfather, Lucy stayed silent.

"Hey, Laxus. How you doin'?"

The way Laxus arched his right eyebrow, pulling the scar he acquired a few years ago up, making his face more intimidating when he crossed his arms and gave an almost feral smile to Lyon.

"Oh, I am fine, except the file for our new student, Lucy, here went missing. This means if I don't find it, my ass is on the line," Laxus growled playfully.

"Ah, yeah... Oh look, I have that right here," Lyon practically chirped as he lifted the manilla file folder he held.

Lucy wrapped her arms around herself as she fought to keep her laughter inside as Laxus snagged it. The warm, friendly smile he flashed her had Lucy double over laughing as a soft whine of discontent came from Lyon. Soon, she was joined by Laxus.

"It's fine; I know you haven't seen blondie here in years. And Friday made it clear that you really wanted to see her," Laxus chuckled as Lucy peeked up and saw Laxus tap Lyon on the head with her student folder.

It took a few more minutes before they all were able to collect themselves and actually get to ball rolling on what they were supposed to be actually doing.

"So, Blondie, you ready for the tour of the school? Even with the extra passenger on the Dreyar train?"

Again, rolling her eyes, Lucy reached out and playfully punched him in the arm and nodded yes. Lyon looked a bit shocked as he watched her as Laxus shrugged, smiled, and turned to lead the way.

"Hey, how do you know, Laxus," Lyon whispered.

"His Grandfather and mine are actually friends and drinking buddies," Lucy whispered back, as Laxus pointed out the front, Principals, and Nurse's office. "Hence why I am even here instead of still homeschooled."

The soft ah Lyon gave as they followed Laxus down another hall, apparently the arts and crafts classrooms. Amazing Lucy at how dedicated to teaching alternative means of education via the arts.

"Lucy, you got in for musical composition, so you will want to remember this next hallway," Laxus barked back at her.

Giving a small nod of her head in acknowledgment, while not missing her peripheral vision the shock on Lyon's face. Growing up, Lyon knew her love of writing fictional stories. She knew she would be explaining later, as well as pestering him about his brother and sister. For now, Lucy was going to enjoy the fact that her life felt right, felt balanced, and safe.

TBC!

NEXT STORY TO UPDATE is A Weapon for Lucy