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

It had been a whole month since she had quit her team, took a sabbatical to find herself, and seek help. And she was rather enjoying the words that Freed had put up around her building. Hell, her landlady was ecstatic by it. She was causing a small drop in the rent — a plus. Right now, though, Lucy was waiting for her turn in the office on the other side of the cherry-stained and shined to a polish knotted purple pine door. Today was the day she got her eval from the Mage Shrink.

Talking to someone, working through her shit, and going to AA meetings had been a good thing. She was feeling more herself than she had in the last two-plus years. Though she knew she was far from being okay. But better was a good start. Smiling as the door opened and she watched as a now-familiar face stepped out. Their eyes met as he shook his head and walked out of the office. They knew Lucy would keep their secret. Even on her deathbed, she would not tell a soul that Gildarts Clive came to see the Mage Shrink regularly.

He had been shocked to see her at one of the twice a week group sessions. No one else from the Guild came there that she saw. And she had three appointments a week to get her stuff done. Hypnosis, mental, and emotional regression were one visit. Another they just talked, and she answered questions when the Therapist asked them. And the other was a spiritual realignment. Something she hadn't thought she needed. But after the first two sessions, she felt the flow of her magic better. Not having been aware, it was blocked and stemmed due to misalignment of her Chakras and her aura and spirit being mucked up.

If she were, to be honest, she felt more powerful, stronger. And in a few of the sessions, she had called out her spirits at the behest of the Mage Shrink to talk with them. She was learning even more about each of those spirits and how to bond with them better. Doing little things to make that bond grow and flourish. It had left her feeling ignorant. Her spirits said they couldn't tell her anything if she didn't ask. So, now she knew why Loke was always lurking, and Virgo asked for punishment. Both were easily taken care of, while Gemini and Capricorn were a bit harder. Taurus, Ares, Cancer, Scorpio, and Sagittarius were mostly dealt with, and she hadn't realized she'd done it.

The feeling of being happier was a good feeling to have as she stood up and strode into the office and smiled at the woman behind the desk. Lucy had been shocked and asked the woman her first day if she was related to Porlyusica. But Liveta stated clearly that the old biddy and here had no blood relations. Though they did get together on occasion and compare stories and notes. Personally, Lucy liked Liveta.

"Ah, Lucy, today is the day, isn't it?" the pink-haired woman with tanned skin and vivid red eyes danced merrily at her.

"Yes, ma'am," Lucy replied.

The soft smile the woman gave as she waved a hand for Lucy to sit. She did as bid and waited patiently. Lucy was watching as the woman flipped through some papers in a manilla colored folder, writing a few things here and there. When Lucy saw her scribble her signature at the bottom before lifting her red gaze to meet her own, the smile she saw only made her feel warmer on the inside.

"Remember, you still need to come in once a week when not on a mission for your session, make one of the group sessions a month, and don't go on missions that are B or above alone, Lucy. Your magic is rare and delicate. Those new bonds are still setting in," Levita stated, giving her a slightly stern look. "Take a person you know you can trust. And the only one I would recommend from your former team is Erza... Again, no mission higher than a B by yourself, young lady. Also, research your magic more young lady. Ask those questions of your spirits; they are meant to help you as well. Thus they are only as strong as you allow yourself to be."

Feeling a slight burning sensation along with her eyes and in her nasal cavity, Lucy blinked her eyes to keep the tears at bay. Slowly nodding her head as she took the manilla colored folder and smiled a bright smile. Then in her usual classic manner, Lucy darted around the desk and hugged the woman. She was earning a soothing pat on the back and warm sounding chuckle.

"Now, get out of my office until next week. Take that to Laxus, you Lady," Levita snapped.

With a laugh, Lucy drew back and skipped out of the office. It was time for her to go to the Guild for the first time in a month. Time to start facing her Real Life Demons. It did make her feel a bit self-conscious, nervous, and even hesitant. But Lucy knew she had it in her to do this. She had faced death, the end of the world, loss of many kinds in her twenty-seven years. So, this was something she could do.

000

She didn't pause outside the doors after reaching the Guild. Nope, she knew that would serve no purpose. Taking a deep breath, she pushed the doors open and strode in. Glad it was semi-quiet, no brawl going on. The looks on people's faces as they noticed her. She saw the concern, worry, guilt, sadness, regret. Tilting her head to the side, Lucy flashed them all a brilliant grin.

"Hiya! I hope you all have been good!" She said in a delighted voice.

It was like a spell broke as a few people immediately tackled her. Her arms were wrapping around Wendy and Cana, who were hugging her. While she had head rubs, back pats, and a pinch to her ass, they were making her laugh, enjoying it all. Lucy had missed her friends, her family. This place was her real home, not her apartment or Magnolia.

"Hey, Blondie!"

Her head drifted up, and she saw Laxus looking down at her from the second floor. His stormy blue-gray eyes were reflecting the smile on his face.

"You're Blond too!" she exclaimed back, earning a loud round of laughter from those gathered in the Guild.

"Get your skinny ass up here. I think you have something for me?" Laxus stated as he shook his head at her response before turning and heading back into his office.

It took a bit to get there. After Lucy detached the first two, she had Levy and Mira hug her, another pinch to her derriere, a slap to the back, more head pats, and from Gajeel, who dared to ruffle her hair out of it's coiffed bun. Though she didn't snap at him as she would usually, she knew he was happy to see her again and allowed it. (only this once though) And was glad he didn't call her bunny girl.

As she mounted the steps, she saw that the Raijinshuu was gathered at their usual table, Erza and Gildarts were there as well. And tucked in the back corner was their former Master Makarov. She gave them all a bright smile and a quick wave before walking with a distinct bounce in her step into Laxus' office and making sure to shut the door behind her. Feeling magic crawl over her and through the room, making her pause in confusion.

"Eh, after Freed got back from warding your house, I asked him to put specific runes around and in my office. That way, what is said in here is no longer heard out there. And no one can break in, cause any type of damage either," Laxus explained as he pointed to the chair before his desk.

Giving a small nod of her head in understanding, Lucy covered the short distance and sat down. The smile on her lips faltering a bit as his large hand thrust out for what she had been holding onto this whole time. Swallowing visibly, she handed him the folder and waited as he read through it. His face was shifting through a few various expressions and emotions. Something she knew that before Tenrou that he'd be incapable of doing.

"I see. Levita gave you the go-ahead but still requires a few visits with you. And, I would prefer that you didn't take any solo missions at all, Lucy. You've been through some serious shit. I don't want to have you accidentally get in a bad situation on a mission gone wrong. Please always take at least one person with you, even if it is just Wendy," Laxus said as he looked up from the folder and at her. "You do have some weird karmatic charm that draws murphy and his fucked up law to your ass and BOOM trouble."

Unable to help it, Lucy felt her jaw drop open in shock. Laxus Dreyar, her Guild Master, was teasing her? Was she cracking a Joke with all of her people? Had she walked into the fucking twilight zone? Was she under some mental magic? Dreaming?

"Stop that. This is real. And I am just having some fun. But seriously, I meant it. Always have a partner on a mission, your track record for shit going sideways is epic Blondie, "Laxus stated in a deadpan voice.

Her mind shifted through all her adventures. And she realized that the Guild would have the reports that they were made to fill out after every mission. Thus he'd know about everything. Internally she flinched, but her mind logically and rationally conceded to what he was asking.

"Sure, I can do that," she replied with a small nod of agreement.

"Good. And if you're up to it, my old team hasn't taken a job in a month or so; you can take the rust off the chains and remove those trainers that have been put on by inactivity and take a low mission with them," Laxus suggested.

This had Lucy pulling back, arching an eyebrow, and looking at him. She knew he was serious by the flat, yet expectant, look he was giving her. Somehow Lucy figured this wasn't replanned. She knew that his team had money to spare since they only took S-class missions. The pay for those, on top of a private request, were astronomical compared to what she was used to.

"You can tell them I said this is something they have to do as a team. And, Lucy, talk to your teammates. At least Erza and Gray. Natsu is still being a little shit. He is sulking still after a month, claiming you ditched him. Lisanna has taken him on a few missions and now has an appreciation for all the damage control you do," Laxus said again in that deadpan voice.

Giving a slow nod of her head, Lucy stood up when Laxus did. She hadn't even started to move towards the office door before she was enveloped in a spine-crushing hug. It took her a few seconds to register. It was Laxus hugging her before her body relaxed, so her spine wasn't crushed at all.

"Welcome back, Lucy. This place wasn't the same without its light," he whispered as he let her go.

Stumbling a bit as she found her balance, Lucy looked up at Laxus, seeing something in his eyes. Something vulnerable. And it struck her hard. It was the same thing she'd seen in everyone's eyes downstairs. He, too, had felt guilty. Reaching up a hand, she flicked his nose, making him jerk back and growl.

"Get over it. What is done is done. I already forgave most of you. Some I will require an actual verbal apology that is mean," Lucy said over her shoulder as she sauntered towards the office door.

Lucy paused for but a second to look over her shoulder at the large blond Slayer. She was seeing a happy smile lighting up his face, relief causing his eyes to lighten a few shades. Then giving a playful wink, she pulled the door open and stepped out. Ready to do as she was bid. In the order, she was bid to do it in.

He had felt her before she had entered the Guild. And it had him relaxing. Bickslow didn't have to see her soul know it was brighter than the last time. That it held more warmth in it again. So, when Laxus stepped out as a cacophony arose from the first floor, he stayed in his seat — counting the seconds in his head until he saw her as she crested the last step to the second floor.

She looked happier, healthier. There were no bags under her eyes. Which no longer were dull and despondent. Her skin had a natural flush to the sun-kissed skin as she smiled at them and waved on her way to the office. She was sitting back in his chair as his totems floated up from where they had been sitting on the table and circled him. The tiny little souls in them flickering to his mood as they acknowledged he was happy and content for the moment.

"Well, she looks better that is for sure," Freed stated as he flipped the page of the tome he was reading.

"Indeed. Lucy's skin is no longer pallid and blemished. And her smile is just as radiant," Ever stated as she tapped her newly filed nails on the smooth tabletop.

Chuckling softly, Bickslow was glad that his teammates and friends were acknowledging Lucy. Each knew that she was a unique and powerful mage in her own right, having seen what she could do. Hell, in the month she was gone, Freed had become obsessed with her magic after hearing Natsu state how it worked. Ever had always thought it was pretty with the poofy glitter clouds the spirits arrived through, that and Lucy was just as concerned with fashion as she was.

So, when the door opened and Lucy stepped out, Bickslow waited as he watched her walk towards their table and then past — hearing as she whispered to Erza, Makarov, and Gildarts. Who he wasn't aware knew Lucy that well due to being gone all the time. But from the sound of it, the man knew her well. Feeling a small twinge, he shoved it away as Lucy asked Erza to get Gray, Natsu, and Happy. That she needed to talk with them, catch up.

Once a watery whimper escaped Erza as she agreed. Just for the redhead to practically rush past her. Keeping his eyes on the table, Bickslow pulled his magic in, causing his babies to come back and sit on the table. They could still talk just not fly around without the steady supply of his magic as Lucy walked back their way, stopping between him and Evergreen and clearing her throat to get all of their attention.

"Hey, I was volunteered by our esteemed Guild Leader that I am to go on a mission with all of you. So, I quote, 'I can take the rust off the chains and remove those trainers that have been put on by inactivity' end quote," Lucy stated. "And I don't think grumpy pants will take no for an answer. Just has to be a low-level mission in case my luck decides it wants to fuck with me, us?"

Bickslow practically froze up at those words. He'd been spending some time talking with Laxus. Knew that his best friend knew a lot more than he let on. He'd been watching the Guild for years. Then really paid attention after being allowed back into the Guild. Hell, a few drunk conversations had let slip a lot of valuable information to the man. But Laxus was discrete even if he was brusque and blunt. And the team hadn't been out on a mission in almost three months.

"How low is low on the mission scale?" Freed asked as he marked his tome and closed it.

Evergreen was sitting up and looking at Lucy with the intent from behind her glasses. Bickslow knew she had her keen little mind swirling at the things that she could talk to Lucy about. Not many of the other women in the Guild approached Evergreen. Something Bickslow thought was BS because she was a really sweet woman. Just she had to have a tough front to keep up with the rest of her team. She damn well earned her spot on the Raijinshuu.

"Well, how does a C or B level sound? I mean, I don't wanna be zapped by the short walking circuit for disregarding his command," Lucy stated, stiffening and giving a cheeky smile as a low growl erupted from the office.

Bringing up a hand to cover his mouth to smother his laughter, while Ever did the same, Freed just gave a polite smile. The two elder mages in the back were doing their best to hide their chuckles in their tankards. It was so refreshing to see Lucy be herself again. Smart, witty, and feisty. Though he knew, even without looking, that her soul would still show she was still hurt and healing. And this was partially a front to hide that.

"I think we could handle a B-rank. There are quite a few. Some that require us to travel," Ever stated as her eyes narrowed in thought. "One goes to Stella. And another to Minstrel."

The squeal of happiness from Lucy had his ears ringing. She was standing six inches from him. And her only being five feet two inches and him being six feet and six inches it put his poor head level with her own. The sympathetic look he got from Ever as Freed lifted a hand rubbed at the temple next to his ear.

"Oh, sorry..." Lucy mumbled. "But yes, I would love to go to Stella or Minstrel. Both places are on my list of dream places to go."

"Good! We can look at the mission slips and then decide based on the rewards. But first, I think you have to do something," Freed stated.

There were a few seconds of silence as Erza stopped on the second to top stair and looked at their group. He could see the pain and longing in her brown eyes as she stared at Lucy. Knew it would be a tough adjustment for her and the rest of the team to know that Lucy wouldn't be going on missions with them again for a long while. Reaching over, he brushed his hand against Lucy's under the table. Only to feel her grab his hand and give it a silent squeeze before she was moving towards her friend and former Team Mate.

Bickslow watched and wished her luck silently. Internally he was happy. He'd get to take a mission with his team again and Lucy. But he knew not to get his hopes up; he knew that she was still too good for some nobody like himself. Hell, Freed would understand her more since they both came from the Gentry and had studied up on her magic though it had been shared with them all.

"Stop that boy!" Papa snapped in his head.

Turning his eyes to the angry-looking totem. "I can't help it."

"Bullshit, Boy! You have a lot to offer. It doesn't matter what a person knows or where they come from. What matters is honesty and care. Get to know her for her, not her past, her magic. But the woman you admire," Papa muttered. "It is all you can do. You both are human."

Sighing and lifting a hand to run it over his head, smoothing his mohawk back, Bickslow knew the advice was sound. Just he couldn't help feeling the way he felt. Conflicted.

TBC!