Revised and Edited March 3, 2020

-Standard Disclaimer Applied-

Song - I Won't See You Tonight Pt1

Artist - Avenged Sevenfold

Chapter Three – I Won't See You Tonight Part One

Lucy started running, she wanted to hurry as quickly as possible back to her new home before anyone could follow her. She only hoped that Laxus and Freed had already set up the runes to keep everyone out, she just didn't want to deal with anyone. She kept pushing herself to run a little faster, a little more knowing her new house was within reach so she continued to make herself move until the door was in clear view.

I've made the change, I won't see you tonight

She suddenly fell to the ground as she passed through the barrier runes surrounding her new property. Lucy heaved for much needed breath, shaking not from exhaustion but from what transpired in the guild. Everything kept replaying in her mind the looks of terror on all of her guild mates faces would haunt her for the next few months. Dear Mavis what had she done? All thoughts of acting rational had left her as soon as she seen the two of them together. Lucy had much she needed to say to them and didn't want to cause that kind of scene but her anger got the best of her. Lucy shook her head, what's done is done and nothing would change that. By now her guild mates have probably been filled in by their guild master and knew why she had acted like a crazed lunatic. With her breath back and the sounds of approaching foot steps Lucy picked herself off the ground and wipe away the tears she didn't realize were running down her cheeks.

Sorrow sank deep inside my blood

"Lucy-san are you alright?" She heard Freed asked alarm and pity relevant in his voice making Lucy want to cringe.

"I'm fine Freed, have you finished installing my grand new home security runes?" Lucy tried to sound her normal bubbly self but fell quite short of her intended goal.

"Yes Lucy-san I just finished writing runes on the doors and windows and included another barrier around your house incase someone manages to get through the main property runes. Not that I think anyone could, it's just an extra precaution to be safe." Freed explained, questions were forming in his eyes but he held them back.

"Thanks Freed I really appreciate this." Lucy sighed also thankful he didn't push to ask unwanted questions. "And I trust you'll both keep quiet about my new living arrangements?" She questioned because she would really hate to have people trying to make frequent visits just to show her some unwanted concern.

"Don't worry Lucy gramps will make it very clear that no one is to bother you and I won't let Freed leak any information to that demon either." Laxus glared at Freed silencing the rune mage before he even had a chance to speak.

"Well you have my thanks once again." Lucy breathed she was mostly worried about Mira for several reasons.

Lucy had attacked the demons sister. She was positive Mira would be returning the favor. Even with the demon being filled in on the details that led up to the exchange, Lucy knew she wouldn't just let the matter go. Lisanna was he dear little sister and Mira made a point to see that her youngest sibling wasn't messed with. At least Elfman had been out on a mission and wouldn't be bothering her with details. Despite was people thought of the brute he was actually quite level headed.

"Well we will be going now I'm sure there is lots to be done at the guild." Laxus added pushing Freed to leave. "If you need anything feel free to call, I also left a rather simple mission on your table. Told the client you'd be leaving here in three days time." Laxus finished and waved his goodbye.

Lucy felt a faint smile tug at her lips she'd have to thank Laxus for saving her a trip back to the guild once this was all said and done. Once her two fellow guild mates were out of view Lucy decided to head into her new house.

She would have much to do and many boxes to start unpacking within her three-day limit before she left for her mission. She groaned at the thought of sorting through all of her things and finding a place for everything. Lucy would be moving things around for the next few months before she had everything perfect. On the bright side, it would give her something to do and busy her mind which is what she needed. Lucy wanted more than anything to move on from this. She needed things to return to normal, well as normal as things could get being in Fairy Tail. Deep down though Lucy knew things would never be as they were. It wouldn't be long before she would have to return to the guild and have everyone give her the same look she seen them give Gajeel.

All the one's around me I cared for and loved

Gajeel. Lucy felt her heart begin to ache again as she thought of him. She still had trouble understanding Levy's decision to leave him all to chase after Freed, who everyone with eyes knew loved Mira madly. Lucy hadn't really spoke with her blue haired friend since she found out about their break up. Really Lucy didn't know what to say to her. She was angry at her yet at the same time wanted her to be happy. It was strange and difficult for Lucy to understand. Still Lucy knew that heartache would eventually catch up with Levy as well. It wouldn't be long before Freed would politely decline her feelings since he as well loved another. Lucy also knew that Mira didn't harbor any feelings for the rune mage, she had her eyes set on Laxus. Laxus on the other hand wouldn't give Mira the time of day because he wanted Freed to be happy. Plus it didn't take much for anyone to notice the way he would look at Cana and Cana had a thing for Bickslow. Lucy shook her head, honestly Lucy wondered if anyone in Fairy Tail would end up happy. Everywhere she looked it was love triangles. Maybe that was the problem though, maybe guild mates shouldn't be dating guild mates. Never mix business with pleasure. That famous old proverb might be right after all.

Walking into her new home Lucy felt her mouth open in awe she would really have to thank Virgo for always taking care of her. Her spirits did more than just move her things from her apartment to her new house. They had already unpacked all her things and put them away all her furnishings were in place. The only thing Lucy really needed to do was tweak a few things and maybe decorate. She had to admit she was really grateful, the last thing Lucy wanted to do was unpack all those boxes.

A small smile curved at her lips as she walked up the stairs, she needed a hot bath and she knew that Virgo would have already stocked up her bathroom.

It's building up inside me

Lucy started the water turning the heat up as high as it would go and walked back down the stairs. She hoped Virgo had put up some of her food and drinks from her old apartment. She rummaged through the cabinets until she found one of the bottles of Château Climens. It was quite an expensive bottle of wine and she had been saving every single one she managed to get for her honeymoon. Seeing as she wouldn't be having one of those now and given the night she had, Lucy decided tonight was the night she would open this beautiful golden bottle of happiness. Opening the bottle, she brought it to her lips savoring the exquisite taste. Slowly Lucy started working her way up the stairs sipping the lovely sweet wine. She would enjoy it to her hearts content.

I had to set me free

Two days had passed and Lucy just laid on the floor her fireplace softly burning as she nursed her bottle. She watched as the fireplace sparked and flickered every so often. She knew she should've gone to bed and at least try to sleep. Sleep would be needed if she were to leave for that job tomorrow.

She felt tears running down her face and couldn't help but laugh. Here she was laying on the floor crying making a sad attempt to drink away her sorrows while her now ex-fiancée most likely shared a bed with another woman. Lucy really didn't get it. Why couldn't Natsu just be honest with her? Yeah it would still hurt knowing he wasn't happy with her but not as bad as lying and sneaking around did. She still could've called them friends and eventually she would be able to speak with them normally again. Not now though. Things would never be the same now. She lost two very close friends and Lucy knew she wouldn't be able to ever look at them the same.

Lucy wanted to place all the blame of Lisanna. She wanted to believe that somehow Natsu was innocent in all of it but she knew that wasn't the case. She wouldn't let herself be that oblivious to the situation, no matter how much Lucy wished for Natsu to remain the man she fell madly in love with. Still it ate away at her mind, devouring her every moment she had with the fire dragon slayer. She couldn't help but questioned how much of what Natsu said was true. Her thoughts kept going deeper into the darkness wondering if Natsu had even cared for her at all. Why would he ask her for her hand in marriage if he still had thoughts of Lisanna? Who was at fault for all of this turmoil? Was Lucy to blame? Was it her fault for not asking Natsu if he was sure? Was it Natsu's for not working out his feelings for the youngest take over mage? Or had it been Lisanna for stepping over the boundary line? These questions just wouldn't leave Lucy alone, over and over again they would continue to repeat.

You're not the one to place the blame

Suddenly Lucy heard a knock at the door, she felt her body tense and wondered who in Earth Land had managed to get through Freed's runes. Slowly Lucy pulled herself off the floor and made her way to the front door. She didn't want to answer it and given the time she could just pretend she was asleep it's not like anyone would really expect her to be up at this hour. With that in mind Lucy dropped her hand from the door knob and turned making her way back to her spot on the floor.

"Open up bunny I know you're still up." Lucy stilled as Gajeel's voice rang through her quiet house.

"Hold on," Lucy sighed as she turned back towards the door undoing the locks to let in her very late night visitor. "Welcome to my humble little home would you like something to drink?" Lucy smiled sweetly offering her half empty bottle to the man.

Gajeel gave the blonde a pointed look before accepting the offered bottle and strolling into her new place. He really didn't want to bother the blonde, he knew she wouldn't want to be bothered but that old geezer wouldn't let it be. So here he was, doing a late night check up on Lucy.

"What the fuck is this?" Gajeel questioned taking another swig of the alcohol.

"You're telling me you don't know what Château Climens is?" Lucy looked at Gajeel surprised. "This my friend is one of the hardest to come by wines in Fiore because its imported from Enca."

"Where the fuck is Enca?" Gajeel quirked an eyebrow at the blonde.

"Really Gajeel? It's on the south-east side of Earth Land a small island located near Sin which happens to be a tiny little piece of land that-" Lucy stopped, "You didn't come her for a geography or history lesson did you?"

"No but since you've already started why the fuck not." Gajeel chuckled handing the bottle back to Lucy.

"So why are you really here then? Came to see if I'm alright?" A bitter laugh left Lucy as she shook her head.

"Nah that old geezer wanted me to check in on ya but I knew you wouldn't want to be bother." Gajeel sighed, "The perverted fucker followed me until we reached the rune barrier didn't really have much of a choice in it."

"Well thanks for understanding." Lucy felt a small smile tug at her lips. "I really do wonder why things had to turn out this way though."

"You and me both." Gajeel sighed as he watched her bring the bottle back to her lips killing off what was left in the bottle."

"Well to hell with it!" Lucy growled throwing the wine bottle into the dying fire causing it to roar back to life. "Seriously why the fuck did I think Natsu was any different?" She breathed walking into the kitchen to get a new bottle for them to drink.

Rummaging through the cabinets Lucy finally found a bottle of whiskey that happened to be from the Celestial Spirit World. Surprisingly one that Gajeel hadn't tried yet. She pulled the bottle down along with two glasses and began to fill them. Moving to pantry Lucy pulled out a few things for them to snack on. Collecting everything up on a serving tray she walked back towards her living room where Gajeel sat near the now blazing fire.

"Really bunny? That shit is trash for your body." Gajeel rolled his eyes taking a glass off the tray.

"Yeah but you know it's fucking amazing." Lucy giggled opening a package of crackers and a can of cheese spray.

Really Gajeel was right canned cheese was probably as bad as it gets, and normally Lucy wouldn't touch the stuff with a ten-foot poll. Still she always kept it on hand or rather in stock since Gray liked the crap, and Gray was always over at her house since they we on the same team. Just like she would always make strawberry cake for Erza and fruit smoothies for Wendy. Deep down she felt terrible about leaving her team without talking to any of them first. Lucy just wanted to move on from it all and as horrible and is was, she had to leave her team. Sure she could still go on missions with them all from time to time but, it would never really be the same. She knew they would understand why she decided to leave without telling anyone. Odds are Erza wouldn't be able to contain herself long enough for Lucy to break things off with Natsu. Hell, the entire guild would've known if she told Erza or Gray beforehand. Wendy was more level headed and probably wouldn't have said anything but the girl always had that guilty look to her when she had to keep secrets. Which Mira would grill her to the bone to find out. Grabbing a cracker Lucy smothered the cheap cheese on top and crammed it in her mouth following it with a wonderful drink of whiskey.

As bottles call me name I won't see you tonight

"Pass that shit over here." Lucy had to suppress a giggle as she handed over the cheese spray. "What kind of whiskey is this? Haven't tried it yet." Gajeel asked fixing himself a cheese covered cracker.

"It's new even in the Celestial Spirit World, one of Capricorn's latest recipes. What do you think?"

"Not bad that goat man of yours sure knows how to make some good drinks. Still sucks at poetry though." Gajeel smirked as Lucy actually laughed for the first time in the past two days.

"Capricorn would be furious if he heard you say that about his beloved poems." Lucy snickered imaging the zodiac spirit refusing to give Gajeel anymore of his homemade booze.

"So I heard you're leaving for a job request tomorrow. What's that job for?" Gajeel poured another glass of whiskey as Lucy sighed.

"To be honest I haven't even looked at the damn request. Just know that I'm leaving tomorrow, well in a few hours now." Lucy looked at the clock noticing it was already four in the morning.

"Slacking bunny how that fuck do you plan to do this job if you ain't looked at the damn request." Gajeel groaned he knew she could be stupid at times for a smart person.

"Well it's supposed to be a simple job according to Laxus." Lucy mumbled knowing Gajeel was about to lecture her about not being prepared.

"Yeah according to Laxus who does nothing but S-Class missions." The room grew quiet as Lucy let what Gajeel said sink in.

"Shit." Was all she said as she shot up from her spot on the floor and finally went to pick up the damn job request for the first time. "Shit. Shit. Shit." Lucy repeated slamming her head on the table. "What the fuck was Laxus thinking? This isn't a simple mission! This is a fucking death wish!" Lucy screeched throwing her hands in the air.

"Really bunny it's not that bad." Gajeel withheld a chuckle as he read the request over her shoulder.

"Yeah for someone like you it's not a big deal!" Lucy shouted.

"Well you're only crawling through a disgusting swamp in search of some rare plants, what could go wrong? Besides at least it's easy." Gajeel snickered at the blonde but he did feel a little bad for her. "Want me to go with ya?"

"Are you gonna let me sit on your shoulders so I don't have to walk in the shit?" Lucy quirked an eyebrow at the raven haired man.

"Sure why not call it even for all the free booze and future booze you're gonna keep supplying me with." Gajeel smirked as Lucy rolled her eyes.

"Thanks Gajeel." Lucy whispered watching the fire crackle.

"It would take you damn near a month if I didn't go with ya." Gajeel shrugged.

"Not for just tagging along with me Gajeel."

Sorrow sank deep inside my blood

They sat in silence for a while just enjoying each other's company as the watched the fire slowly perish. Lucy had to admit she was rather grateful for Gajeel coming to visit her. Lucy had been so lost in her own awful thoughts these passed two days. She hadn't slept much and didn't call out any of her spirits once, it was really astounding that Virgo or Loke hadn't appeared yet. Her spirits probably knew she needed to be alone, alone without any of the 'you're better off without him' or 'you'll find someone who really cares for you Lucy' nonsense that she knew would eventually hear from someone. Gajeel knew how she felt and knew that she wouldn't want or care for such attention.

"You should try to get some sleep the town is located somewhere in Waas Forest, which means we'll be walking a good distance from Oshibana." Gajeel stated causing the blonde to groan.

"Can't wait." Lucy rolled her eyes, she was going to kill Laxus when she got back.

"Well I'm gonna head out. Gotta pack, talk to Lily and the old geezer. Meet you at the station around eight?"

"Yeah sounds good." Lucy yawned, "See you later Gajeel." Lucy waved as she headed up the stairs

"Later bunny." Gajeel locked the door shutting it behind him.

It had been a long day and night and Gajeel knew he wouldn't be sleeping. If he was fortunate he would pass the fuck out on the train. He cursed under his breath, he really hated riding the damn train. Still part of him was glad he offered to go on the job request with Lucy. He hadn't taken any jobs that required taking the train since he and Levy split up. Gajeel really hoped that maybe taking a job away from Magnolia, with someone who wouldn't pity him, would help him to start moving on from this. He wanted to help Lucy with the mission but Gajeel would be lying if he said he did it out of kindness. Really it was all for himself. Still he knew that Lucy wouldn't mind. Maybe just maybe he would gain back some sense of regularity once this was all said and done. Plus, he knew that if he let bunny girl go alone she wouldn't be able to do the job. Not because of the swamp but because she would be too consumed in her own damn thoughts. He knew that she would really be gone for a damn month because she wouldn't be able to focus on the job, no matter how simple it is.

In the end Gajeel hoped that maybe by the end of this mission that maybe, just maybe, the two of them could try to regain normalcy in their lives. It seemed like a waste to hope that things would be better for him though, he at least wanted Lucy to feel comfortable when they returned and reported back a successful mission. Still just more senseless optimism. Deep down Gajeel knew things just wouldn't magically fix themselves in a week's time. Gajeel really didn't think that his life would ever be the same again without Levy. Without Levy he was nothing. Gajeel wanted her to be happy though and at the end of the day she wasn't happy with him. So Gajeel would grit his teeth and turn his head from her view. It was time for him to leave her in his memories and move forward towards a future without her.

I can't see myself that way

Gajeel sighed walking into his house he knew Lily would most likely still be asleep. Finding a piece of paper and a pen he scribbled a message for him. Gajeel went to his room to pack throwing clothing into his travel bag, lots of it at that since they would be trekking through a damn swamp. After having his bag packed with everything he would need Gajeel decided to take a shower before heading to the guild. He still had to report back to the old geezer on how Lucy was doing. Looking at the lacrima clock on the wall Gajeel sighed, it was going to be a long day.

It was about seven in the morning by the time Gajeel reached the guild. Thankfully the guild was always empty in the mornings. Walking into the silent guild hall Gajeel threw his bag on a random table and made his way upstairs. He heard Mira call her usual morning greeting though her voice didn't carry nearly as much mirth as it used to. Ever since the barmaid found out about Lisanna sneaking around with Natsu she hadn't been herself. Gajeel grunted a hello and simply waved back. Yet another reason he would be more than happy to go play around in a swamp verses here in this awkward sad excuse of a guild. Opening the door to Master Makarov's office he saw the old fuck sleeping with the bikini issue of Sorcerer Weekly. Stepping into the office Gajeel slammed the door startling the old man awake.

"Gajeel! Come on in and sit down! What can I do for you?" Makarov grinned slipping his magazine under his desk.

"I'll stand. Just wanted to tell ya bunny is as good as can be excepted and I'm tagging along on her mission." Gajeel said leaning against the wall.

"I see well maybe it's best she isn't going a job requests alone at the moment." Makarov sighed rubbing his head. "Is Lucy okay to be going on a mission so soon?"

"Yeah she'll be fine, I think she just needs to get out of Magnolia for a while. Let things settle down here and in her mind. Doing a job request is good for both of those." Gajeel stated speaking from experience.

"I suppose you're right. Lucy would probably just stay cooped up in her house otherwise." Makarov yawned. "I'm surprised you're going along though." Makarov smirked and quirked his eyebrow at him causing Gajeel to growl.

"Shut the fuck up you old geezer it ain't like that."

"I know but still this is improvement for you. You haven't gone on a request requiring travel since you and Levy split up." Makarov smiled.

"Yeah well it would take bunny girl damn near a month if she went alone. Who would supply me with booze then?" Gajeel chuckled slightly. "We should be back within a week or two depending on what kind of plants we are looking for. I gotta get going though told bunny I would meet her at eight."

"Be safe and return quickly!" Master called out as Gajeel shut the door behind him, shaking his head he walked down the stairs in a hurry nearly knocking himself someone else over.

"Ouch!" Gajeel tensed at the sound of that voice. "Gajeel where are you off to in such a hurry?" He heard Levy ask him.

Gajeel didn't answer though. He simply put some distance between and stepped around her. He didn't have time for this and really he didn't want to talk to his ex-girlfriend anyway. Gajeel knew that she wouldn't let that be though. He knew that by now her cheeks were probably red with anger and most likely heading towards him. Still Gajeel kept his pace even and swiftly grabbed his bag off the table and tried to get the hell out of the guild before she could catch him. He knew she wouldn't be able to keep up with him once he got outside. Sadly luck never seemed to be on his side.

"Damn it Gajeel! At least say you're sorry for nearly knocking me over!" Levy shrieked at him fuming with rage.

"Maybe you should grow a few inches then people wouldn't run you over." Gajeel called over his shoulder not stopping to look at her.

"What the hell is your problem?" She questioned pulling at his bag, Gajeel could only laugh.

I've gone alone

"My problem? Really? You wanna know what my fucking problem is?" Gajeel finally turned to face her. "My problem is you! After all the shit we went through you're just gonna fucking leave?!" Gajeel seethed at her leaving her completely dumbstruck. "Do you have any idea how much it fucking hurts Levy? It kills me every damn day to know you prefer to take you damn chances on someone else! The fact that you would rather be with someone who doesn't even like you than try to fix whatever the hell this is," Gajeel wave his hand between the two of them. "I would've done anything for you! Shit I wanted to ask you to marry me that night. Why would you string me along like that if you didn't even love me?" Gajeel paused for a moment taking a breath and trying to calm the hell down.

I've made the change

"Gajeel I-" He cut her off before she could start, he didn't want to hear her excuses.

"Save it. You fucking left Levy and what makes it even worse is how god damn easy you made it look." Gajeel quickly turned walking out the guild doors.

He really needed to get away from her. Gajeel had decided then and there he wouldn't be wasting anymore of his thoughts on what ifs or trying to win back Levy. It was time to move on he had already decided and no one, not even Levy, would get in his way while he tried to find some sort of happiness.

I won't see you tonight

XXX

I've made a few improvements on this chapter. I tried to catch some of the spelling and grammar errors.

Until the next one!

**Midnights Fireflies**