"You ungrateful brats, what do you mean you are all leaving Fairy Tail!" Makarov screamed; his fists balled at his sides.
"Don't blame us Master, it was all the spirit Mane Head's fault," glaring daggers at his rival. "If he hadn't asked the Ice Stripper to take Luce with him, we wouldn't be in this mess!" he yelled, cueing Happy to agree.
"You don't have to come you know, you weren't even invited you stupid Matchstick," Gray snapped back, giving Natsu an icy glare.
"What did you say, you stupid Snowflake?" Natsu yelled, butting heads with Gray.
"You heard me, Pyro!"
Sighing and rethinking her decision, Lucy looked back at the master. The trio had made a beeline for Makarov's office, not wanting to get swept up in the chaos that was their Guild before they had time to speak to him. The boys were too nervous to tell him so it fell onto Lucy, something that made the blonde give them an acidic glare that could rival Erza's. "Mast, I'm sorry. Ever since Phantom Lord, I've been feeling weak and powerless, not to mention guilty at all the trouble I've caused,"
The boys stopped arguing to vehemently deny her words, only to shrink back at her unimpressed glare. "I was just going to train more here but Loke-"
This was his idea? Summon him right now," Master screamed, making Lucy nervously giggle in response.
"Master, I don't think that's a good idea," Lucy stammered, not wanting to subject her loyal- though perverted- spirit to the wrath of their Guild Master. He was protective to a fault over his 'children', so god only knows how that would turn out.
"No Lucy, I need to make sure that you will be protected on the journey, both from any dangers you find on your quest," he paused to glare at Natsu and Gray, "their destructive tendencies."
The two boys began to protest, their eyes wide with indignation. Lucy stayed silent as waves of anger flowed through her veins, drenching up old resentments in its tides. "Master," Lucy said firmly, drawing all eyes to her. "I appreciate your concern, but I will be fine. My spirits would never let anything happen to me and I am on this quest to get stronger on my own merit, not hide behind anyone. I have faith in my ability to get stronger because my spirits do, so instead of worrying that I will have ample protection, why don't you wish me luck on my journey?"
When Lucy finished speaking, all the men were looking at her with slack jaws. She stood there, her posture immaculate, an echo from her old life before the guild. Determination swam in her hazel eyes, her mouth set. Her blonde hair slightly moved in the breeze from the master's open window, the only movement in the otherwise timeless move. Makarov looked at her with his eyes wide, seeing a glimpse of the strong mage he knew she could become. Erza's face superimposed on her for a moment in the master's eyes, and all words evaporated from his mind like mist. Natsu stood slack-jawed, his brain working through all she said. No one, not even Erza, spoke to the master with such conviction before and Natsu had to swallow. He was not looking at Lucy, his weird friend, he was looking at Lucy, a capable mage, and what was scarier… a woman.
Gray's eyes were wider than the expanse of the arctic as he looked at his blonde friend. Sure, he had always known she was attractive, but right now, hearing her speak with such determination and pride in her voice made him feel warm inside, his insides feeling like they were freezing and melting at the same time. He glanced at Natsu who caught his eye, both boys silently agreeing to not mention this moment again.
Makarov broke out of his reverie, familiar pride shining in his eyes. "Right you are Lucy, I apologise for my outburst." he paused, smiling softly at the girl he considered the heart of his guild. "You will go far in life, miss Heartfilia, and it is a privilege to know that you are one of us," he said, swallowing the lump that appeared in his throat.
Lucy's eyes watered, and she threw herself at the short man, holding him close. Memories of her father's cold eyes, shining with disappointment flashed through her mind, making her heart clench as if the memories were a giant claw. How many times had she looked out into the night sky, silently screaming, desperate for a sliver of fatherly affection, and dare she think it, pride from her father? Too many to count, that's for sure. Who would have thought all she would have to do was run away from her extravagant life and she would get her greatest wish?
"You three have my blessing to leave, however, I have a proposal."
The three mages looked at each other, their heads tilted in inquisitiveness. "The Council has had notices that the dark guilds have been more active recently. We do not have the capacity to send out mages to scout, however, if you are going anyway, would you gather intel and report it back to me?" Makarov asked.
The three looked at each other before both boys nodded at Lucy. Turning back to her master, the young blonde mage smiled at him. "We'd be happy to, master."
"Fantastic, in return I can send you missions for you to complete while you are away, that way you will not have to officially leave the Guild," Makarov said, emotion swimming in his eyes.
All three mages grinned, pleased with the way things had worked out. Sure, they were all excited about their journey, even Natsu who tried to squish that thought in his mind. None of them could deny, though they were reluctant to leave their home, and the thought of their mark vanishing on their skin hurt more than any torture they had ever endured.
"When will you brats be leaving on your mission\training quest?" The master asked, already knowing that Gray was leaving but unsure if plans had changed with the new stowaways.
"As soon as everyone is ready," Lucy said, making the boys look at her, questions in their eyes.
Clearing his throat, Gray addressed the master. "Yes, no point wasting time," he turned to Lucy, his expression softening. "Are you okay to go tonight after having your magic depleted?" Greasy asked, working his question carefully, so he didn't set off the Mage.
Lucy growled, about to tell him exactly what she thought of his question. She wasn't weak, she could totally leave today. She had a nap, so she was rearing to go! If anything, the two boys' fights would slow them down, not her.
Lucy, might I suggest you wait until tomorrow morning? You will be refreshed and can do some meditation in the starlight, Crux said softly, his voice echoing around her mind.
Sighing, the blonde nodded, getting raised eyebrows. "Okay, maybe tomorrow morning. That way we can say goodbye to everyone and have a chance to pack up our things," she said, nodding her acquiescent, getting a pleased nod from Makarov.
"Excellent choice my children, now, let's go inform the rest of your Nakama that you shall be leaving for a while."
"Do we have to?" Gray groaned, massaging his temples as visions of Juvia drowning them flashed through his mind with the speed of a flash flood.
"Yea, I can have a fight with Bolt Brains before we go, show him who the real dragon is!" Natsu cheered, making Happy cheer as well. "Let's go Happy, I'm all fired up!"
"Aye, sir, let's go show him who's boss!" Happy cheered, and the two males sprinted out of the room like bats out of hell.
The three sighed as they heard Natsu challenge Gajeel. Insults were exchanged and soon a loud skirmish ensured below. Sighing again, Lucy rubbed her temples, trying to get the energy to go deal with her moronic best friend and his annoying cat.
"Let's go, Lucy, before Flame Head ends up in the hospital," Gray sighed, walking out of the room with the girl hot on his heels.
Lucy was happy. No scratch that, Lucy was fantastic. Giggles bubbled inside her like the fancy drinks Mira had made her, making the blonde girl let them escape. She looked up at the night sky, taking in the wondrous sight. The stars glinted like precious jewels embossed on the rich navy and black canvas, making a soft smile creep onto the girl's face. She could make out the constellations, the ones she had keys for seeming to be brighter than the others as if they were twinkling proudly to let her know they were thinking about her. The girl drunkenly waved at the stars, imagining her spirit friends waving back at her all the way from the spirit world.
"I wonder what the Spirit World is like?" she sighed dreamily, "I bet everything sparkles and is always bright and airy. Ooh, it might even look like a Roman temple, but more magical!" she squealed, doing a clumsy spin in her excitement.
"Not quite a temple, but it is exquisite," a soft voice practically purred, amusement clear in the tone.
"Loke!" Lucy squealed in delight, drunkenly throwing herself at the Lion Spirit.
Luckily for her, the man was used to looking after drunken ladies so caught her easily. He pulled her into his arms, wrapping his arm around her waist to steady her. "Are you drunk, Lucy?" he asked, raising an eyebrow as he fought the smirk.
She looked around wildly, her eyes wide as she checked to make sure no one was around. She looked up at him, her eyes wide and practically gluing him to the spot. "Can you keep a secret?" she whispered seriously, her drunken state skewering her perception of what a whisper was.
Deciding to indulge her, the spirit nodded with as much seriousness as he could, fighting the amusement off with the fierceness of a lion. "Of course, princess, you have y word." He said, matching her stare with as much intensity as he could.
Lucy looked at him, narrowing her eyes. She stood up on her tiptoes, stumbling slightly. Luckily, Loke had a good grip around her waist and stopped her from falling into him, although her face was pressed right up against his, "I might be a little drunk," Lucy whispered-yelled into his ear, her voice even and her grip firm as she told him her secret.
"You don't say?" loke said, not even bothering to keep the grin off his face.
His master was adorable, looking at him with a seriousness that put Erza to shame.
She nodded empathically, still clinging to him for support. "Who were you drinking with Princess?" he asked, not being able to help himself, he tacked on, "and why wasn't I invited?"
Immediately her eyes widened, and she began to profusely apologise. Loke tried not to laugh, he really did, but seeing her get so panicked over his comment was just comedy gold.
"I'm so sorry, Loke! I didn't mean to drink. We told the Guild about the plans, oh by the way we are going off the train for a while with Gray and Natsu I hope that is okay?" she added on, forgetting that he was the one who arranged it in the first place.
He chuckled and nodded, leading her to her apartment. "Then Cana said if I was leaving, I owed her a drinking session, and more and more people joined us, I really liked the fruity drinks they were so yum!" she squealed, bouncing under his arm with a huge grin on her face.
He let out a hearty chuckle, feeling his heart swell at her happiness. "I'm glad you had fun, Princess, and yes I am okay with us going away," he said, smiling gently.
She went to say something else when a chilly breeze blew from the south, causing her to shiver. Loke noticed, feeling the gooseflesh erupt on her skin. He gently moved her to the wall, letting her lean against it as he shrugged off his suit jacket. She looked at him, her head slightly cocked as she tried to puzzle out what he was doing. Smiling, Loke pulled the coat over her slim shoulder, the jacket dwarfing her slight frame.
"Can't have my Princess being cold now, can I?" He said, smiling charmingly at her.
She opened her mouth to complain and insist he took the jacket back, but one stern glance at her made her stop. Instead, she smiled and snuggled into it, letting the smell of cinnamon, musk, and starlight overwhelm her senses. She yawned, snuggling into his arms. Loke looked down and saw she was almost asleep, her eyes fluttering as she tried to keep them open.
Smiling to himself, he scooped her up into his arms. "How's that?" He asked, making sure not to tease her.
"Thank you," she whispered, her eyes already fluttering shut.
He smiled at her; his eyes lighting up at her beautiful face. "Sleep now, Princess, I got you," he soothed, and carried on walking, letting the motion of his gait lull her to sleep.
Once he got closer to her apartment, he looked down at her sleeping form. In her sleep she had curled in closer to his chest, her hands bunched around her chin. A part of Loke was furious at Natsu and Gray for not making sure she got him safe, and he would definitely be talking to them about it tomorrow. One does not let a drunken lady make her own way home; it was not gentlemanly. Though right now, with the sleeping Lucy curled into his chest like a little kitten, he couldn't find it in himself to be too angry. He loved holding her; the sound of her heartbeat was soothing.
"I will still have to talk to them though, this isn't okay," he whispered to himself, making sure he kept his voice low, so he didn't wake up the sleeping goddess.
He made quick work of the steps in the apartment and fished out the key to her place he had cut. Sure, she would be furious with him for it, seeing it as him invading her privacy, but it's not like he needed it. He could pop up in her place whenever he wanted to, he only got the key cut for her sake. What if she were injured and couldn't open the door? What if she was in trouble? This way, he could always be there to open the door and make sure she got home safe and sound. He always slept better knowing she was safe in bed, so he had to admit it was for his sake a little as well.
And if having the key made him feel closer to her, that was his business. And his secret that he would take to the grave.
Not bothering to turn on any lights, the Spirit summoned a little of his magic to activate his night vision. Everything had a grainy quality to it, like he was looking at an old picture, but it did the trick. He strode to her bed and moved her gently to his hip, mentally apologizing when she moaned at the movement. He pulled her covers back and placed her gently into her bed, leaving his coat wrapped snugly around her shoulders like an embrace.
She pulled the covers closer, so they covered her chin. Her breaths even out and Loke just stood there, staring at her with the ghost of a smile on his face. He gently moved a strand of hair that had come loose on their journey back and smoothed it off her face, knowing it would annoy her otherwise. He let his hand trail down the curve of her cheek, letting it linger there as he committed her features to memory. Sighing, the spirit moved his hand away and stood back, averting his eyes from the sleeping beauty.
"Night, Princess," he whispered, vanishing in an explosion of stardust.
He had just appeared in his opulent mansion when he heard her voice, echoing through the fabric of the universe to reach his ears.
"Thank you, Loke," she whispered, before falling deeper into her slumber.
Loke smiled and pushed his glasses up his nose, reveling in the warmth that bubbled in his chest. He walked to his bed and lay down, deciding to take a few movements to rest. He had to be up soon to yell at his best friend and a certain pyromaniac, for letting his beloved master walk home in such a state. Sure, it worked out well for him and he always loved helping her, but it was the principle of the matter. He knew the boys would be riddled with guilt once he laid into them, and the predatorial part of him basked in their imminent fear. He was a man, but he was also a beast. The head of the zodiacs and he'd be damned if he let the boys forget it.
Shafts of sunlight sneaked through the gap in his tattered curtains, making the boy groan. He pulled his pillow over his head to block out the sun, not yet ready to wake up. The sun was like a spotlight on the ache in his head, drawing all his attention to the pounding within his skull. His mind sluggishly tried to remind him he had to get out of bed. Something about an angry blonde? Whatever it was, he thought it could wait. The only thing that mattered right now was his pillow, blanket, and hammock.
Everything else could wait.
"Come on, Natsu, time to get up!" Happy cheered, jumping onto the Slayer.
Natsu groaned, muttering unintelligibly into his pillow. The blue cat just groaned and started jabbing the man on the cheek, letting his claws poke through enough to make it sting.
"Ow, Happy, whaddya do that for?" The pinkette groaned, moving his head so he could glare at the feline who dared to interrupt his sleep.
"I'm sorry Natsu but we have to go! We are meeting Lushy and Gray today and you know how Lushy is when she is angry!" He wailed; his eyes wide as visions of being denied fish flashed through his mind.
Groaning, Natsu made himself sit up, turning to look at the cat. The shift in his movement made the poor boy fall backward out of the hammock, landing with a loud thud on the messy floor. Groaning, Natsu sat up, rubbing his head as the ache intensified.
"Come on Natsu, we have to go!" Happy said frantically, drawing out the word go and making Natsu wince as the sound of his friend's voice made his head explode.
"Fine, Happy, I need to pack, give me a second." He grumbled, pushing himself up.
"Hurry, I want fish!" happy whined, flying around him
Grumbling, Natsu got himself ready for his day and packed, going as fast as the pounding in his head let him. Happy kept whining, making him move faster to make the cat shut up. Finally, he had all his stuff and wandered out of the house, pulling the door shut behind him. He pulled out his key, deciding it was best to lock it since he was going off for such a long time. Without another word, he stretched and let out a loud yawn, before trudging out into the glade.
"Come on, Natsu," Happy whined, the thought of fish spurring him onwards.
Growling, Natsu did as he was told, only glancing back briefly at his disheveled cottage. It wasn't much, but it was home and although he never spent much time there, he would miss it. Sighing, he pulled his bag further up his shoulders and trudged forward, the thought of the adventures he was going to have; burning away some of his hangover.
And the best part was? He'd see his best friend every day, which was worth any pain he'd have to endure being so close to the damn Ice stripper.
Hey! I really hope you enjoyed this chapter, I had a lot of fun writing it, especially drunk Lucy! Poor Natsu and Gray when Loke gets his hands on them, he is super protective over her. I hope you LoLu shippers enjoyed the fluff between them, super cliche, but there are cliches for a reason. Natsu will be the last one to realise his feelings for her just a heads up because... well, he's Natsu. The boy isn't exactly Mr observant. I hope you enjoyed Lucy speaking her mind; it was the result of a lot of feelings building up. She will get stronger as we go, but not crazy overpowered. let me know who you want fluff between next and I will see if I can make that happen! There will be some GraLu fluff soon though, so keep an eye out for that!
I really hope you guys are enjoying this sotry so far, I'm having alot of fun writing it! Look after yourselves and hopefully see you next Chapter!