As promised, the pair spent the entire day cuddling, napping, talking, and fucking. Lucy didn't realise that the day flew by, and she didn't remember falling asleep. She could only recall tangled limbs, desperate kisses, wanton moans, and incredible pleasure, interspersed with slower moments of Gajeel's head on her stomach, or her back nestled against his chest, with their fingers interlocked as they spoke in soft whispers. Lucy woke up in Gajeel's arms, her face an inch away from his. As the soft sunlight streaming in from her window dappled mesmerising patterns across his face, Lucy could help but feel this tug of affection. She gently fluttered a kiss against his lips before pushing strands of long, black hair away from his face. Despite the numerous piercings that usually made him look tough, Lucy couldn't think of one man as beautiful as him. She wrapped an arm around his neck and nuzzled her face into his chest, holding him close to her. In his sleep, he tightened his hold on her, pulling her into him. With a smile on her lips, Lucy closed her eyes, feeling entirely at peace in the embrace of her Dragon Slayer.

"Bunny, wake up."

Lucy felt a hand on her shoulder shake her.

"Bunny, it's nearly noon," Gajeel whispered.

With a gasp, Lucy sat up. "It was just past sunrise five minutes ago! I woke up then! I just closed my eyes! How is it noon?!" she yelled.

"Well, if it helps, I woke up only ten minutes ago. We did have a pretty tiring day yesterday," Gajeel said with a wink.

He wasn't wrong. Every muscle in Lucy's body screamed and she didn't have to look down to know her hips, ass, neck, and tits were covered in faint bruises. Lucy whimpered and screwed her eyes shut when she stretched her limbs.

"You okay?" Gajeel immediately held her, running his hands over her body, searching for signs of damage.

"Just sore," Lucy groaned.

"I'm sorry, baby," Gajeel smirked, not looking sorry in the slightest.

"You really did a number on me, mister," Lucy teasingly chastised.

Gajeel brought his face close to Lucy's, his lips grazing hers. "I didn't hear you complain yesterday."

"And I'm not complaining now," Lucy whispered against his lips. "In fact, I think you should do it again."

"Which part?" Gajeel flirted.

"All of it," Lucy breathed, sticking the tip of her tongue out to lick his bottom lip.

"Do you want me to run a bath and we'll start there? That was fun," Gajeel suggested, eyes twinkling.

"I'll get some fruit and wine."

"It's not even noon, Bunny! Wine?"

Lucy wrapped her arms around Gajeel's neck and pulled him down on top of her. "Then let's start here. Now. And after we're done, when it's past noon, we'll drink some wine in the bath without feeling guilty," she giggled.

"Nah, fuck that. We're drinking the wine now," Gajeel rolled out of bed and swung Lucy up over his shoulder. As he carried a laughing Lucy towards the bathroom, something caught his attention.

Gajeel froze, tuning his ears to the sounds on the street. After a second of focus, he threw his head back. "Fuck!" he groaned miserably.

"What happened?" Lucy asked from her perch on his shoulder.

"You're gonna have company in a couple minutes," Gajeel muttered angrily as he put her down. "Get dressed."

"You're leaving?" Lucy asked sadly.

"I can predict the conversation that's gonna happen, and I definitely don't want to be a part of it. Do I want to know how everyone knows?"

Lucy wasn't a hundred percent clear what he was talking about, but she was able to piece together enough.

"Natsu told Lisanna," she confessed.

Gajeel exhaled heavily. "Well, we'll figure something out. I'll come back later tonight?"

Lucy nodded, getting on her toes to press a quick kiss to his lips.

"Right. See you later, Bunny," Gajeel winked, slinging his shirt on before climbing out the back windows. Lucy watched him swing out, feeling marginally confused, until she heard a knock on her door.

"One minute!" she yelled, rushing to her closet to pull on a loose, summery dress. She rapidly stepped into a pair of panties before running to the door and yanking it open.

"Why's your hair all messy?" Cana asked, pushing her way into Lucy's home.

"Don't tease her, Cana," Erza scolded, following suit.

Levy entered behind Erza, being suspiciously quiet.

Lucy looked around the corridor before shutting the door and facing her friend. "No Mira?" Lucy had entirely expected the Take Over mage to be here as well. No question her friends were here to interrogate her.

"Nah, Gramps needed her. But don't worry, she is going to corner you at some point. We all have questions, Lu. Well, we all except Levy," Cana shrugged.

"I just said that we shouldn't be prying into her personal life!" Levy said defensively.

"You didn't say that when I told you I caught Erza and Jellal fucking in the store room," Cana shot back. "You couldn't wait to get all the juicy details then!"

"I just… It's… Ugh, fine. You win. Give us the details, Lu," Levy sulked.

Lucy eyed her suspiciously for a second before deciding to play dumb. "I don't know what you guys are talking about," she lied.

"Sorry, Lucy. I told them," Erza said straightforwardly.

"Fuck," Lucy sat down on the couch.

"Was I not supposed to? I apologise," Erza sat next to her and held her hand, looking into the blonde's eyes sincerely.

"No, it's okay. You didn't know. We decided only a couple nights ago that we were going to keep it on the down low."

"Did you decide that before taking a day and a half off to lock yourselves in here and fuck nonstop?" Cana raised her eyebrow.

"Cana!" Levy chastised. "Go on, Lu."

"We got caught up," Lucy shrugged.

"Bitch, shut up. Stop being so fucking vague and tell us everything!" Cana whined, plopping down onto the floor by Lucy's feet. Levy took a seat on an armchair, still looking suspiciously out of sorts.

"There's nothing to tell!" Lucy threw her hands up in defeat.

"Nonsense. Gajeel is so not your type. What happened to Hibiki, huh? Didn't you find him cute?" Cana questioned.

Before Lucy had the chance to respond, Erza threw her hat into the ring. "Honestly, I thought you'd get with Gray."

"Or Natsu! Why aren't you with Natsu? You guys are already basically joined at the hip," Levy chirped from her seat, to which the other three girls turned and looked at her in disgust.

"No, not Lucy and Natsu. They're like siblings. It would be gross," Cana said, sticking out her tongue.

"I must agree with Cana. Natsu is… He's either Lucy's brother or her son, but certainly not a romantic and sexual partner," Erza concurred.

"Though you are right about Gray, Erza. I see Lucy and Gray being a thing," Cana said as she eyed the blonde.

Finally, an exasperated Lucy huffed. "If you are all done talking about who I should have been with, are you willing to listen when I say I'm happy with Gajeel? Because I am. Sure, he may not be who I pictured being with, but I am with him and he makes me happy. So, that's that," she said with an air of finality, crossing her arms.

The girls waited a moment, unsure of how to proceed.

"When you say with…" Cana started suggestively, probing the woman in question.

"I don't know, Cana," Lucy sighed, defeated. "I'm with him. That's all I can say. Whether I'm only with him, or whether we're something more than two people who have sex, I don't know. It's all new, and we just want to figure it out. By ourselves," she emphasised.

"But you are having sex?" Cana grinned widely, slapping her hand against Lucy's knee. When Lucy blushed and nodded, Cana all but crawled into her lap, demanding more details.

"I don't wanna give you details! That's gross!"

"Please, Lucy! Please! I'm begging you! Is he rough? I feel like he's really rough and kinky. And where exactly is he pierced? I want you to be as detailed as possible. And," Cana gasped. "How big is he? C'mon, Lu. I'm good at guessing these things, and I have a feeling he's packing some major meat, but I need to know just how worried I should be for your vagina. Does he have a dick piercing? Lucy!" Cana pleaded, shaking her friend.

"Cana, stop!" a voice rang out.

Instinctively, Lucy wanted to turn to Erza, assuming she'd been the one to put a stop to these inane questions, but the voice hadn't been Erza's. It had been softer and less assertive, but right now, a hell of a lot more irritated.

"Jeez, Levy," Cana mumbled, sliding back to the ground. "What's up with you?"

"Nothing," the small mage blushed wildly. "It's just their private life and Lucy has already said that Gajeel didn't want people talking about it, so I just think we need to respect that."

And though it had been very strange and most unlike Levy, Lucy appreciated her intervention.

"Levy's right, guys. It's the one thing Gajeel asked for, so the least I can do is respect that. At least until he and I are able to fully figure this out for ourselves," Lucy said apologetically. When Cana tried protesting, one look from Erza quickly silenced her.

"Thanks for coming by, guys! I'll see you tomorrow!" Lucy said cheerfully, hugging Cana. After the failed interrogation, the conversation slowly veered towards more interesting gossip and general chatter. Even Levy perked up eventually, joining the discussion in full swing. Soon, however, the girls decided to get back to the guild, while Lucy decided to take that shower she hadn't had the chance to.

"And please, don't talk about this around the guild. I'm sure everyone already knows, but we really didn't want to draw attention to it, so if you could help quash the whole thing?" Lucy requested.

"Of course, Lucy. Consider it done," Erza committed, reaching over and pulling her friend into a hug. As they broke out of it, Lucy turned to Levy.

"Levy, can I speak with you before you go?"

Erza and Cana looked at each other before stepping outside. "We'll wait downstairs, Levy," Cana said as she and the redhead walked away.

"What's up, Lu?" Levy asked, nervously toying with her dress.

"Are you okay? You were acting a little strange, and I don't know what happened. Did I say something? Are you mad at me?" Lucy asked sadly, reaching out to hold Levy's hand.

Levy's jaw dropped and her eyes widened. "Mad at you?" she repeated in shock. "Never, Lucy! I'm not mad at you!" She threw herself at the blonde, hugging her tight. "It's just…" she whispered into Lucy's shoulder before pulling back. "Nothing. I'm just tired, that's all."

"Are you sure?" Lucy confirmed.

With a bright smile, Levy nodded. "Yes. I just need to catch up on sleep, that's all."

"Okay, well, you tell me if something is wrong, alright?" Lucy said, not entirely convinced.

"I will. Don't worry, Lu," Levy said as she walked to the door. Before stepping out, she turned out and looked at Lucy hesitantly. "I hope you and Gajeel are happy, Lucy," she said softly before leaving, pulling the door shut behind her.

A slightly puzzled Lucy stared at the closed door for a minute before deciding that she was overthinking things. Without sparing another second, Lucy rushed to the bathroom and turned on the taps. As she waited for her bath to fill, she pulled off her dress and sat at the edge of her tub, combing through her hair and undoing any tangles. A part of her wished that Gajeel was here with her, but she tried desperately to banish that thought from her head.

Stop being so needy and dependent! He has his life, you have yours. Goddamn it, Lucy she scolded herself, upset that her heart missed him and her body craved him. Determined to not think about him, she slid into the tub, letting the hot water work its magic on her body. As the minutes ticked by, Lucy slipped into a state of deep relaxation. She was very nearly feeling perfect bliss. The only thing that prevented her from reaching serendipity was the coil of lust in the pit of her stomach that continued to gradually tighten.

Just think about something else, Lucy. Don't think about Gajeel's abs. Or that piercing on his dick that does magical things. Or the way he flicks your nipple with his tongue. Nope! Don't think about any of that. Just don't- Fuck it.

Lucy slipped a hand between her legs, using light, delicate touches to slide up and down her slit, brushing softly against her clit. As her desire grew, her movements became shorter and faster, focused solely on her clit and the pleasure that rubbing it brought her. Soft euphoric whimpers began escaping her lips as she pictured Gajeel hovering above her, slamming his dick into her. She shivered in pleasure, bucking her hips against her hand for added friction.

"Well well, Bunny. Got impatient, huh?" she heard a voice cut through her daydream. She snapped her eyes open and looked behind her shoulder to see Gajeel standing at the door, arms cross over his chest as he watched her appreciatively. She also noticed the prominent bulge in the front of his pants and it made her mouth water.

"Took you long enough," she whispered seductively. "Get in here."

"Now?" Gajeel teased, not moving. "Don't you wanna talk about why the girls were over?"

With a roll of her eyes, Lucy climbed out of the tub. Dripping wet and naked, she sauntered up to Gajeel and grabbed the front of his shirt, pulling him down for a searing kiss. Her free hand slipped into his pants and he moaned into her mouth as she palmed his erection.

"Fuck me in that tub right now, Gajeel," Lucy said softly, her lips brushing against his.

"Anything for you, baby," he strangled back, quickly ripping his clothes off. He gracefully got into the tub before helping Lucy in.

"Face me," he ordered. He guided her down until his erection pressed against her slit. And then, in a swift move, he forced his hips up, pushing himself into her. The pair groaned in relief as their bodies joined harmoniously. The water muffled the sounds of skin slapping against skin, but it did nothing to muffle the ecstatic moans and guttural grunts emanating from the pair. Gajeel gripped Lucy's hips firmly, digging his fingers into her soft flesh for purchase as he effortlessly lifted her and rammed her back down on his cock. Lucy's hands were in her hair, holding it away from her face as she elongated her torso, sticking her tits into Gajeel's face. Before long, Gajeel had Lucy out of the tub and pinned against the wall, her back pressing into the cold stone. With one leg hoisted over his arm and their gazes locked, Gajeel drove into Lucy relentlessly, pounding her as she clawed his back in lustful desperation. And she begged. How he made her beg for her release, to the point where Lucy bit down on his shoulder hard enough to draw blood. But it was worth it, because when he whispered that magical word in her ear, Lucy fell apart, only being held together by his arms. She clung to his neck, moaning into his shoulder, as she spasmed around him. And when her aftershocks passed and she caught her breath, she dropped to her knees and took Gajeel into her mouth, tasting their intermingled juices. Hollowing her cheeks and looking up at him with her honey brown eyes, Lucy sucked him until he groaned her name and exploded down her throat, falling forwards against the wall as his legs threatened to give out from under him.

After a quick shower, filled with soft kisses and gentle caresses, Gajeel and Lucy sat in bed in their towels. Lucy sipped on a glass of wine while Gajeel fisted the neck of a beer bottle.

"So. What did you and the girls talk about?" Gajeel asked, lounging back against Lucy's pillows with a towel wrapped around his waist.

Lucy was nestled into his chest, her back pressed against his solid body, with a towel around her torso and damp hair dripping water onto the both of them.

"Nothing. As expected, they wanted to know about us."

"And?"

"And nothing. There's nothing to tell, right?" Lucy said, looking up at him.

"Yeah. Nothing to tell them. There's a whole lot more I could tell you," Gajeel purred, kissing her cheek.

"Like?" Lucy asked, blushing.

"Like everything I'm going to do to you tonight, my sexy vixen," he growled, nuzzling her throat.

"Gaj, that tickles!" Lucy squealed, pushing his face away. "How did you know to come back, by the way?"

"I was hanging out at the guild, and I heard the three clowns approaching, so I left there and came back here," he said casually.

"Those clowns are my friends," Lucy snipped.

"Yeah, and they aren't the only ones who know, by the way. Had to deal with a little bit of harassment myself at the guild before I hid in Gildarts's office."

"Gajeel… Maybe we should…" Lucy trailed off.

Suddenly, Gajeel's back became stiff. "Lucy, I told you. That's non-negotiable."

"Everyone already knows!" Lucy cried, turning to face him.

"That doesn't mean we need to fan the flames by giving in to their questions, Lucy!"

"So what should I say the next time someone asks, huh? Lie and say we aren't together?"

"No, just tell them you don't wanna talk about it!"

Lucy barked out a laugh. "As if that works in our guild."

Gajeel looked at her tiredly. "Lucy, are you happy? Are you happy with me, and with us hanging out?"

"Yes, of course I am! This wasn't about me not being happy."

"Then if you're happy, and I'm happy, can we please drop this conversation? Because I have news."

Suddenly, Lucy perked up. "News? What news?" she gasped excitedly as her face brightened.

Gajeel grinned, pulling her in for a swift kiss. "God, you're beautiful. How do you know it was good news, though?"

"You wouldn't have toyed with me if it wasn't," she said simply, shrugging.

"Damn, you're more than just a sexy fucking face, aren't you?" Gajeel growled, dipping his head to kiss her again. Deftly, Lucy moved out of the way.

"Tell me!" she demanded, squeezing his arm.

"Do you, Lucy Heartfilia…"

"Yes?"

"Wanna go…"

"Yes?"

"On another mission with me?"

"What?!" Lucy cried, leaning away from Gajeel.

"C'mon! We had so much fun on the last one!"

"We were stuck in a murderous forest and you refused to touch me!"

"We did a lot more than touching in the North Woods, Bunny," Gajeel reminded her.

"Yeah, eventually. After I practically jammed my tongue down your throat."

"Damn it, Lucy, let me finish. I was going to add that it's a fun, simple mission. We'll be in and out in no time, and plus, we'll get a couple days just to ourselves. Imagine all the best parts of the Woods, with none of the monsters or the fighting-"

"Or you refusing to touch me," Lucy added sarcastically.

"If you keep bringing that up, I will fuck you so hard that you won't be able to have sex for a couple days," Gajeel threatened.

"Oh yeah? Prove it," Lucy challenged in a whisper.

Gajeel inhaled sharply before slapping himself back into focus mode. "Lucy, stop distracting me with sex! I want to go on this mission with you. Get away from everyone for a bit. Just you and me. C'mon, baby. What do you say?" he smiled his signature, crooked smile and Lucy was sold. She didn't care what the mission was or how long it would take or how far away it was. She just wanted to be wherever he was.

"Okay," she whispered softly.

"Okay? Okay, like you'll come?" Gajeel confirmed.

When Lucy nodded enthusiastically, Gajeel grabbed her around the waist and pulled her into him, kissing her fiercely and deeply.
"When do we leave?" Lucy gasped, breaking away from the kiss.

"Oh, tomorrow. We have time," Gajeel responded nonchalantly.

"Tomorrow?!" Lucy screeched, wrenching herself out of Gajeel's hold. "I need to pack!"

And, much to Gajeel's dismay, the pair spent the rest of the evening putting various articles of clothing into a bag, all while Lucy maintained a constant stream of abuse, insulting Gajeel for making her pack so last minute.

A/N: This time, I won't lie, I took a while to update not because of work but because my other fic is consuming all my brain space. That story is just writing itself and I just was not able to put it into a box long enough to work on this until like basically today. But I'm happy with where this is going so far! I just realised we're like 17 chapters in, so I'm going to try and ensure every chapter has some meat and we don't have too many filler chapters (unless you want a bunch of filler smut). There is still drama ahead, after all.

Let me know what you guys think! And if you guys have suggestions for what their next mission should be, feel free to let me know, because I put that in there, but I'm now blanking lmao.