-** AUTHOR'S NOTE **-
And just like a bad habit, I'm back. And so is this story. I wish you all the best. Review if you'd like :)
- Cherry
p.s. don't own fairy tail or it's characters. Also I don't have an editor, so it's rough.
Lucy woke slowly, rolling listlessly out of bed. She wasn't ready to start the day and it showed in the heavy bags under her eyes. She hadn't slept well at all. She was up most of the night, thinking on the events that occurred previously that day, and was torn between two halves of her heart. The half that still belonged to Natsu, and the half she had unknowingly given to Laxus. When had sex become this confusing? This dramatic?
And since when was it common sense to sleep with your girlfriend's rival, then turn around and demand loyalty from her? That makes no freakin sense! Oh yeah, I'm sorry Lucy, yeah I did sleep with Lisanna, more than once of course- but you gotta stay loyal to me. Well screw that! And speaking of Laxus- she didn't even know how to wrap her head around that enigma. Yesterday morning Laxus had made it clear that the night of passion they shared was "only sex". It was kind of the unspoken agreement between the two, but to hear it said aloud… He was really aloof and cold about the whole thing. Was it because I gave it away so easily? That I was no longer a chase anymore? Men like Laxus confused Lucy to a great extent. Well, men in general confused her.
Her head spinning, she went about her morning ritual of getting ready. I wonder how things will be today. How will it be when I see Laxus... Lucy thought she had seen a flash of hurt steal across his face when she explained away their nighttime romp, but she couldn't be sure. Did Laxus care more about her and what happened than he let on? Or was she just reading into it, her mind making her see what she wanted to? But then again since when did he care what others thought of him? Aaarrggghhhh! The thoughts bouncing around in Lucy's head made it throb, and she dipped it low in the shower stream with a groan. She had plenty of time to let it her thoughts percolate later- so she put her mind back on track when the rabbit hole got too overwhelming. She washed up on auto-pilot, absentmindedly going through the steps while her brain whirled. All too soon, the hot water ran cold, and she yelped with the sudden temperature change.
Shivering she stepped out of the steamy bathroom, wrapping the fluffy towel around her tiny waist, and just like that she was back in her thoughts. She glumly guessed what the day might hold for her and went about getting ready. Slipping into black jean shorts, she slid them along toned legs and over her pink lacy thong. Like Natsu's hair... and she couldn't help remembering how red he had turned when he first caught her in them. Betraying her though, her mind drifted and she haphazardly wondered if Laxus would like the lingerie set. Dammit! Why does it matter! She audibly huffed as she crossed her arms over her ample chest. Because you liiiiike him, Happy's voice echoed out of memory. She rolled her eyes, but the familiar phrase lingered in her thoughts.
"Of course I like him you irritating cat." Lucy growled aloud. She pulled a cropped, off the shoulder navy tee from her closet, and was content with how it revealed her taut tummy. She stuck her tongue out at her reflection in the mirror, imagining a hovering Happy behind her, and released her wavy hair from the towel's grip. It fell in long waves to her backside and it finally dawned on her that her was the longest it's been. She looked so much like her mom, and it made her smile softly. It wasn't the first time she saw her mom in her own features, and with a sudden decision, she will no longer be tying her hair back. She'd keep her mom near her as much as she could and any way she could from here on out. Sending up a silent prayer, hoping her mom could hear, Lucy left her apartment. On her way to her second home, Lucy summoned Plue and enjoyed the little dog's antics on her walk. It was a beautiful mid-summer day, and as light as the warm sun was, she slowly felt it lift her mood. She briefly wondered if Natsu would already be there, but figured he'd probably still be sleeping, as it wasn't even 9:00 am yet. A not completely un-welcome memory of the looks she and Laxus had shared upon her entrance yesterday strayed to the forefront of her mind. His haunting blue eyes, the way he had visibly hungered for her- the mere idea of him looking at her like that once more threatened to make her weak-kneed. With vivid remembrance she recalled the way his eyes had raked over her, mentally stripping her, and it made Lucy's stomach turn pleasantly.
Unfortunately she was still conflicted with how she should feel about him- after the way things were left yesterday she had no idea what "they" were. Hopefully friends still at least. She couldn't be sure. When she had turned to leave Natsu, Laxus had disappeared from the courtyard. She had believed him to be waiting on her. The rest of that afternoon she had wracked her brain, reviewing the situation, wondering what she had done or said that could have offended him. But it was anyone's guess, and something she would probably never figure out. She finally stood before the guild's entrance, and she gave her little dog one final hug for strength before sending him home to the celestial world. Here goes… She calmly opened the guild doors and her eyes scanned the grand hall- searching for a splash of blonde or pink. Seeing neither, Lucy let out a breath of relief, before burying the itching disappointment at not seeing a certain lightning dragonslayer. She casually strolled up the bar and waved over Mira, and prepared herself for the inevitable. The silver-haired barmaid flashed her a smile and gestured that it'd be a second before serving her current customer, Bixlow. Said man sidled up next to the blonde girl, a taunting grin on the exposed bits of his face, and leaned against the bar top.
"So cheerleader, how'd you manage to piss off bossman?" Bixlow jeered. Lucy was cautious with her reply- how much could he possibly know?
"Why don't you ask him yourself - why would I know?" Lucy casually responded, overlooking his accusation.
"Wellp, the punching bag shares your nickname this morning, and it don't look too pretty." Bixlow laughed before shuffling back to where Mira had set his freshly made dish.
No way Laxus is that upset – right? At something I did?... Lucy was beyond confused, mentally reviewing the events of yesterday again, then huffed indignantly. I didn't do anything wrong! What I said yesterday was true! If there were any issues with anything that happened yesterday, all he had to do was say something. I could be more forward if I knew where he stood, but since when does being honest emotionally get you anywhere after a one-night stand? Lucy's internal monologue mirrored her frustration. She would've told him how she really felt if he had given her an inkling that the feelings were mutual. But he'd been so cold and indifferent yesterday morning, that she didn't know how to respond. She slumped against the bar and cradled her head in her hands. This is too much... and what am I going to do about Natsu? Thinking, she slowly lifted her head, and determined her next course of action. Whether he wants to or not, I'm going to talk to Laxus and figure this crap out. Then, knowing how he felt, Lucy could go from there and end things once and for all with Natsu. Her mind made up, Lucy gathered her wits about her and left a curious Mira at the bar. As she made her way through the chattering guild, and headed for the training cloisters, Lucy waved with a faux smile as her unease grew.
Lucy had no idea how the conversation would go and imagined he probably wouldn't even want to talk. With a fierce look of determination, she decided he didn't get a choice. He could sit and listen. This conversation is GOING to happen! She stubbornly made her way down the hall that led to the back rooms. The large archway that stood as an entrance to the training/weight room loomed ahead, and with dread slinking in, she could hear the grunts of exertion followed by the clang of metal. Steeling her resolve, Lucy started towards the doorway, but was stopped abruptly when something jerked on her arm.
She yelped and found herself dragged through one of the various doors that lined the hallway and was firmly pinned against the darker room's wall. The sudden attack frightened her, but as quickly as the fear appeared, so did a sudden awareness of the large man towering above her. Laxus. Before she could shout her protest, urgent albeit familiar lips smashed against hers, making Lucy melt, any indignant resistance fading. She sifted her fingers through the assaulter's blonde spiky hair as his tongue traced along her lower lips. He tasted heavenly and smelled even better- like a fresh summer shower and spiced deodorant. As their tongues tangled, Lucy felt his hands grasp her hips and lift, forcing her to latch onto his torso with lithe legs. The dominating move made Lucy moan into his mouth. No other man had ever made her feel this way but one.
"Laxus... wait – I ooohhh…" she breathed when he finally released her mouth to nibble on her exposed neck. Wait- what happened to mmmmm talking? Oh god that feels so good... What was I supposed to talk about? Lucy's once made-up mind was now muddled beyond belief, and she was exasperated with how much Lust had carried it away. All thoughts of talk disappeared when she felt Laxus grind himself into her, sliding her further up the wall, and she didn't even bother to berate herself for the lost cause of her mission. His biting mouth moved along her collarbone and his hands inched under the hem of her shirt.
"Off." Laxus huskily ordered, and Lucy obeyed without question, the article of clothing hitting the ground. Laxus didn't even hesitate before impatiently ripping off her bra, releasing Lucy's full breasts in one swoop. He leaned back slightly, one hand still gripping her hips, while Lucy's destroyed bra dangled from the other.
"Baby pink eh, a little too innocent for you dontcha think blondie?" Laxus teased as he admired his view. Lucy blushed, and was about to reproach him for his assumption, when she caught the glint in his eyes. The purely animalistic desire and longing she found there made her shiver in his hold. She was certain her eyes mirrored the same.
"I came here to talk to you!"
"It can wait can't it?" Laxus growled against her neck, as he went in for another nibble. Yes, yes it can.
"Mmm yes I suppose – but we're going to-" her words were cut off as soon as he heard yes, and his lips closed the distance.
Laxus himself was awed with how quickly the sight of her in that hallway stole all his control, and nearly melted the anger he had been feeding all morning. He had planned on avoiding her all day and do his very best to elude any awkward confrontation. But his plans went to hell, as they usually do. He gazed at her sandwiched between him and the wall, her visible confusion fading to lustful recognition made him chuckle. He admired the way a light blush stole across the girl's breast's, her pert nipples standing for his attention, and he decided then and there this would be hard and quick. The girl needed to be punished for the way she has invaded his mind.
Lucy looked into his eyes, the burning hunger written on his features aroused as well as scared her. Where had this come from? Wasn't he angry with me? Her mind was telling her not to give in to his wiles, but her body was a traitor, and it was becoming a habit it seemed. Oh who the fuck cares at this point.
With a growl, Laxus hastily latched his mouth onto a distended nipple, while his groping hands moved around to cup Lucy's firm ass. Mmmm I've missed these, he thought as he enjoyed the firm mound being teased between his lips. Being this close to her, Laxus could smell the strawberry and peach body wash Lucy had used that morning, and the distinctly feminine smell made him want to swallow her whole. He wanted to her to want him, as much as he physically craved her. His mouth set to work; he was going to accomplish that goal. Every movement of his tongue made Lucy arch further, his mouth making her own loose groans of appreciation. Her body was acting on it's own accord, springing to life under Laxus' ministrations, as if possessed. She'd never heard herself make such lewd noises and was surprised when she heard herself whimper a beg. And even more surprising was when her hips ground into Laxus' exploring palm, which had discreetly slipped into her shorts and was now cupping her wet sex. As if by recognition, her body acted alone under his touch. He knew her body so well. Her mind reeled at the reality of it. After only one night lost in bliss? Was he just that good? Lucy's questions were answered when skilled buzzing fingers entered her, eliciting a soft squeal from her slightly bruised lips.
Damn she's wet and fuckin tight, Laxus thought. And he wasted no time in removing the rest of her clothing, before relieving himself of his gym shorts. The brusque action made Lucy squeak and she couldn't resist taking a quick peek at his erect member. Oh, my, God. Laxus watched with gloating satisfaction as Lucy's eyes widened in admiration. This wasn't her first time seeing him in all his glory, but it was her first time while sober, and he couldn't help grinning at the sincere reaction. Quickly Lucy's eyes slammed shut, when with a growl Laxus sheathed himself inside her, and the look of pure unadulterated lust that was etched onto her features rocked him to his core. He enjoyed a woman forthcoming with her inner sexual emotions, and Lucy was no exception. Partners were usually self-conscious with how they looked or sounded during sex- but not Lucy. She let herself get swept away in the bliss, encouraging and spurring him on with her mews and pleasure-filled faces. And Laxus was already hooked on that look. He was hooked on the way she shrieked his name with every snap of his hips. He was hooked on the way Lucy clenched around him. Reluctantly he admitted to himself that he never wanted to be set free.
"Laxus.. ngh mmm.. whyyy noww.." Lucy murmured between her moans. Her lusty voice turned him on more, If that's even possible, and he gripped her ass hard as he buried himself deeper with every thrust. Her back was pressed firmly against the wall, and Lucy was sure she'd be bruised where Laxus' fingers dug into her butt. Yet she didn't care. Every well-aimed jerk inside her sent her climbing higher to her climax, and she lost the ability to think let alone talk.
"Because," and Laxus angled his hips almost under her, hitting Lucy's g-spot making her cry out in pleasure, "You've been driving me crazy. For the past two days... mmmnngghh... I can't think of anything else, just you."
Laxus' words momentarily roused Lucy from her lust induced state, and she was shocked. So THIS is how I get Laxus to talk? Dully noted... She wasn't sure what to make of his words, and found it was even harder to focus between his rough thrusts and low groans near her ear.
"You mean- oh god there-" Laxus continued to steadily piston into her tightening core "- The sex?" He could've only meant the sex right? As soon as the words left her mouth, she regretted them. He gave her an angry glare before picking her up and clutching her against his firm chest. She tried not to squeak when he roughly laid her on a nearby utility table, and she watched as he firmly took hold under her knees. He'd show Lucy not to question him. Holding her steady and perpendicular to his hard body, Laxus spread her legs before thrusting himself home between her wet folds. Her body rocked back and forth noisily on the metal, each plunge making her breasts bounce deliciously.
"I meant you Lucy. It's mmm not just the sex," and he drove his point home with a hard snap of his hips, forcing a high-pitched gasp from Lucy's mouth, "I'm crazy about you – and these-" and Laxus palmed her rebounding breasts- "And I have been *pant* for a while." Shit, I'm getting close- and those noises...
Lucy almost couldn't believe her ears. This enigma of a powerful man wanted her? He liked her? She didn't know how to respond and didn't know if she could. Laxus' ministrations just made her feel so good, it broke her usually able brain.
"Ah ahhh Laxus I-" Lucy panted before Laxus made her cry out his name with a hard thrust. She was nearing the peak- could feel the coil tighten till almost breaking point. When she felt his girth hit her g-spot once more, it was like a wildfire of pleasure ran rampant through her body. She looked up at her straining lover above her and admired the way his abs bunched with each thrust. He's so damn sexy, he and feels so damn good... Suddenly her admiration was interrupted as she felt her back leave the cold metal. Laxus was now cradling her in his hold, his strong hands still under her knees, holding her as if she weighed nothing. Instinctively her hands went to his shoulders. Bending slightly at his knees, he angled himself to drive further into her tightening channel and knew she was almost ready. They moved in sync, their sweat riddled bodies sliding against one another as Laxus shot up into Lucy, quickening his pace, each thrust pounding her into submission. Laxus buried his face into the crook of her neck, inhaling the sweet smell of her skin and hair as his cock played her like a moaning instrument. Hard and quick- and while it felt like an hour, he knew they'd only been going at it for about 5 minutes. She was quickening atop him, and he had to hold himself back to get her.
"I want you for myself..." Laxus growled, and he knew he was being selfish. But he couldn't find a fuck to care. He gave her almost everything he could, anymore would have broken her for sure. His pace was growing erratic, and he felt her tighten past the point of no return.
"Cum for me Lucy." Laxus murmured with a final thrust, and with a muffled cry of his name he felt Lucy unwind around his painfully hard dick. She arched, driving him deeper inside, and she rode out her orgasm atop him with uneven hip rolls and whimpers. The way her pussy throbbed around him drove him crazy, he'd have liked to make her cum one more time, but his own orgasm loomed dangerously close. There's no way he'd last. He had to taste her. This beautiful goddess he was now claiming had to be his, and his alone. So as he roared out his release, he bit down on the sensitive skin of where her neck met her left shoulder, and felt himself spill inside her quivering sex. Despite his sex-addled daze, Laxus heard bells ringing out a warning, some advice or wisdom of his grandfather's that he possibly forgot, a piece of possibly related information he was forgetting, but he tucked the thoughts away in preference to enjoy the saccharine company of the girl in his arms.
His thrusts nearly slowed to a stop as the pair climbed down from their orgasmic highs, and Laxus settled on the cold floor with the glowing blonde atop him, still lazily grinding into her. Lucy's whole body was buzzing with erotic sensation, and she let out a sigh of satisfaction as she adjusted, still wrapped around his length. She half-mindedly rubbed the slightly bruising bite mark on her lower neck as she wondered if what Laxus had said was true. Or was it just in the heat of the moment?
"Laxus?" Lucy hesitantly began as his hands made lazy circles on her back.
"Mm?" was his only response through a content grin, his eyes closed.
"Did you mean it?" Lucy asked. Laxus' eyes drifted open and locked onto the girl's concerned face, and took note of the way she was absently clutching her neck. Damn, girl still doesn't get it.
"Haven't I made that obvious?" Laxus groaned in frustration, making Lucy frown slightly.
"Actually no," and she sat up rigidly, "You haven't. You weren't necessarily nice yesterday morning- it was just sex remember? Didn't want drama. It wasn't anything important, just a favor you were doing for a friend." Lucy mocked, her arms under her breasts. Giving them a secret look of appreciation, Laxus measured his reply with an even tone.
"Isn't that what it was supposed to be?" He responded seriously, now sitting up, resting back on his hands. Lucy was about to retort before she considered his question. That is what it was supposed to be right?
"Don't get me wrong- it was meant to just be a great fuck between friends- you're engaged," he continued, and Lucy just huffed with impatience, "But somehow, it ended up feeling like more ..." Laxus quickly looked away in uncharacteristic embarrassment before continuing.
"And that's never happened to me. Sex has always just been sex ya know? So I kept my damn mouth shut. I had no idea what you wanted- I mean that night you were drunk for fuck's sake, and I was convenient -" her eyes flashed, "- I mean - shit, I'm not good at this... Just, it felt different afterwards, that morning." Laxus finished. Lucy sheepishly slid him out of her, before settling once more onto his chest.
"I'm sorry, I guess I should've just been more open with you in the beginning. And you're right- technically I was still dating Natsu, so it was all confusing. And at first it was just sex, but waking up next to you, after how the night had been... it felt like more, like I wouldn't have minded it happening again," Lucy murmured with shame, "But I was scared you didn't feel the same way. So I called it a mistake when I was talking to him- because I couldn't face more rejection from a guy... Not after-" and Lucy's mind drifted off to Natsu's cheating habits before she quieted.
"That's the problem blondie, I ain't a guy. I'm a man," and Laxus gave her an arrogant smirk.
"I could never reject a sexy" He leans in and kisses her neck "pain in the ass such as yourself." Lucy snorted, and Laxus continued.
"Natsu's a fuckin idiot for messing up what you guys had. You need to ditch the boy." Laxus finished before leaning forward to claim Lucy's lower lip.
"Just say you're mine." Laxus ordered breathily; he was used to being in charge.
"I don't know... I'm scared..." Lucy whispered against his proud mouth. Laxus pulled her flush against him in a rare moment of tenderness, shocking Lucy, before shushing her with a mocking chortle. Ha, that's more like him.
"We'll take it one step at a time. No need to rush, because I'm new to this too. Besides, you couldn't handle all 'o me at once babe." Laxus jabbed with a smug grin. Lucy just returned his smirk with a haughty look of her own while lightly tugging on the trail of hair below his navel.
"I believe I just did not 5 minutes ago." she suggested, pressing her soft chest into his firm pectorals.
"Mm-mm baby, that wasn't all of me." Laxus demonstrated as he rubbed his now hardening member against her thighs, making her gasp wantonly. He was right, and she relented with a chuckle.
"So what do you say?" Laxus murmured, gripping her hips as if he was afraid she'd disappear. He searched Lucy's face hopefully as she bit her lip in thought. Damn, you don't know what that does to me... And Laxus couldn't help but want to capture that luscious lower lip with his own teeth, and his own restraint came as a surprise. One day at a time right? What could it hurt? Lucy thought as she lowered her head onto Laxus' chest, fearful of the steps they were taking, and skeptical of the potential success. They didn't necessarily have the best history together amongst the guild.
"All right." she softly answered, and Laxus tried hard to keep a moronic grin from his face.
"All right what?" Laxus gruffly demanded, biting back his smile. He wanted to hear her say it. By some unknown sense of urgency, she found the words escaped her lips instantly, and the bite mark on her neck tingled pleasurably.
"I'm yours." Lucy snorted, pleasurable anxiety pooling low. Could her week get any crazier? Shouldn't she care more about how quickly she was jumping into another relationship? When she was unsure whether the previous was even altogether finished?
"Mmmm I like the sound of that." Laxus rumbled in satisfaction. He finally had her- she was his. He'd make sure Lucy wanted no one else for as long as he was deserving.
"I think I'm ready for round two." Laxus hinted lecherously, grinding against Lucy again. She shot him a reproachful look before clambering off his hot body.
"Nuh-uh. Round one shouldn't have even happened here! What if someone heard?" Lucy nervously said staring at the closed door. As the worry spread across her features Laxus couldn't help but laugh.
"Oh my god, someone probably heard." She held her face, and a wave of anxiety hit her again.
"Baby they all probably heard you." He leaned down to whisper in her ear, "And it wasn't Natsu's name you were moaning."
"Oh my god... Shhhhh Laxus!" Lucy hissed in embarrassment, trying and failing to cover his mouth. She knew it was pointless to act innocent now after the way she'd behaved earlier. Instead she felt herself tugged down to the floor, and forcibly pinned beneath a very aroused dragonslayer.
"And since they already know," Laxus breathed against her neck as his tongue darted out touch her jaw, "I say we take advantage of our last moment of privacy before hell breaks loose outside."
"You're insane and have a death wish." She admonished, but still she tilted her head, exposing more of her neck to him. Man I may have upgraded, she thought as the muscles on his arms bunched, contracting in order to hold his heavier weight above her. Kinda like when he was on top of me, thrusting ever so nicely...
He continued to drag his lips along her shoulders, kissing every love mark that peppered her body, and lingered on the bruise coloring where he bit. The almost jarring sight of it made him pleasurably warm, and he purred deep in his throat while he worshipped her body. As he worked, the earlier silenced nagging bells returned, and suddenly his mind was solely occupied by the glaring bite mark. What was he forgetting? Something gramps said 5 years back… Try as he may, he couldn't remember, and he dismissed the thought to the back of his mind, where it settled with a dull weight. It was probably important, but not so much as the minx squirming beneath his mouth. Laxus glanced down at the spacey girl below him. She was lost in nirvana - her lidded eyes dreamy, and he pressed a kiss to full lips. Her answering sigh tugged at some primal pride he wasn't aware he had, and a hum of completion burbled somewhere in his psyche.
Before they first coupled, he always considered her attractive, just another beautiful woman in the guild. She was a challenge and the perfect trophy to add to his list of conquests. Laxus loved challenges, and while he ordinarily liked his women demure and submissive, Lucy's independent and slightly headstrong personality was a breath of fresh air. He couldn't timeline it, but somewhere, somehow he grew tired of agreeable women. It seems he wanted a woman who could stand up to him and push his boundaries a little. And at that time Laxus had assumed Lucy was a bubbly airhead pushover, but over the years he'd come to realize she is calculating, meticulous, outgoing, and has a habit on growing on you. He was glad his first impression proved wrong.
Laxus was drawn from his deep thought when he felt a soft touch on his bare chest. He blinked and smiled at the visibly agitated girl beneath him. Damn she's cute. He shifted his weight and moved to lay languidly beside her smaller body.
"What is it?"
"How much do you think they heard?" Lucy feebly muttered, twisting some of her hair between fidgety fingers. She turned her head towards his now gloating face and felt her stomach sink in embarrassment. She didn't like that look. They supposed they would have to leave the room at some point.
"Ready to find out?" Laxus teased before rapidly moving to his feet, pulling Lucy gracefully along with him. For such a large man he sure is light on his feet Lucy noted as she pulled on her slouch tee and jean shorts.
They began dressing hurriedly and helped each other adjust the mussed hair and clothing. Hands strayed every so often, touches lingered, and it wasn't but a moment before they were kissing again. Their bodies pressed urgently together, inhaling one another like a drug, and they were a mess once more.
"God, how do you do this to me?" Laxus growled, clutching Lucy to his body, pulling her mouth to his urgently. Lucy only purred her response.
"You must be half succubus, maybe a siren." He reasoned between kisses. But in an instant, a raucous cheer from the guildhall brought him back to the present. Laxus sighed deeply, static electricity buzzing around them, and he gently pushed Lucy away. The sudden lack of his touch returned her reason, and she re-adjusted herself. The feeling of his lips and hands lingered, and she looked at an equally bothered dragonslayer. He was flushed, an obvious erection tenting his pants, and running his hand through his hair. He was deliciously distracting. Lucy found herself struggling to speak but broke the silence at last.
"Laxus, we need to find a way to do this tactfully. They all still think I'm with Natsu." And she shot a nervous glance towards the direction of the rising guild noises.
It was astounding that she hadn't noticed the racket earlier while she lay with Laxus - maybe he was just that distracting. And now all too late she realized her grave mistake. She put one foot way too far before the other and set herself up to fall, figuratively speaking. In order to avoid catastrophic divide and disruption within the guild, she and Natsu would have to publicly announce an amicable end of their engagement. Hopefully they would be able to avoid the embarrassing scandal of Natsu's straying habits and could keep everything looking like a peaceful and mutual breakup. Panic at the idea of causing division within the guild made her halt her movement, and Laxus looked at her with a raised brow.
"Wait - you ended it with him right?" She had, hadn't she? I didn't stay around long enough to find out, but it seemed that's the way things were headed.
Lucy all but smacked herself. This seems like a conversation that should have happened prior to their recent bout of sex. Gods, why is everything done backwards around here? Why me lately? Roaring applause erupted from the guildhall, making her jolt slightly.
"A little late to be asking don't you think?" Lucy was frustrated with herself and frustrated with Laxus. Animals in heat have more common sense than we do.
"Well I just assumed after yesterday-" Laxus huffed.
"I told him – wait, I think I told him…" she furrowed her brow in thought, and a jarring realization punched her in the gut. I really am an idiot.
"He asked for a second chance" Lucy sighed at her own stupidity "and I walked away. I also assumed Natsu would get the idea… And we all know, we should never assume anything with him. Gods, I'm an idiot." She groaned and closed her eyes when she saw Laxus tense up. For all they knew, Natsu could still be operating under the impression that he and Lucy are still together. And if the guild heard any of the activities that transpired within this tiny room, Lucy and Laxus could only expect absolute and chaotic destruction once the fire mage made his rounds. She could not for the life of her trust most members here to keep their mouths closed.
"Well. Would've been fuckin good to know that beforehand." Laxus deadpanned, staring at the closed room door.
"That's why I was looking for you – so we could talk about it, and then, well – this" she gestured to their general location "happened." He had the good sense to look a little guilty.
"Yeah, I guess I got carried away – I saw you and, I'm pretty sure my brain broke." He ran another hand through his hair, this time tugging it out of habit. Is that how he gets his spiky hair, a nervous habit? Ha!
"You don't say?" Lucy grinned knowingly and looked down at the barely covered love marks. "A little carried away is an understatement don't you think?"
"Yeah yeah, anyways, there's a good chance the punk still thinks he's got a chance. I reckon you should take care of that. I'll let you handle it how you want – I won't meddle, just do me a favor and put the guy out of his misery soon." Laxus bent down, grabbed his canvas bag, before exacting a final kiss from the smaller blonde.
"I should uh, we should probably enter the guild hall separately yeah?"
"That's a good idea." Lucy responded, rubbing sore spots on her body, lingering on her neck, and Laxus saw the tell-tale bruising of his bite. He reached over, and fiddled with her shirt until it covered the darkening skin. Man, there's something about that mark, something off. A little different. And it's naggy appearance bothered Laxus. He made a mental reminder to speak to gramps about it, before gesturing for Lucy to make her exit. She did, but not before giving him a longing look that made his heart race. Ah, hate to see her go, but, you know…
…
"You guys are lucky I convinced Gajeel to put on one of his stupid performances!" Mira hissed at Lucy, furious that she and Laxus had dared to taint her beloved store room during a busy day at the guild.
"You'da been found out like that!" And Mira snapped wickedly in the now shamed and grimacing girl's face.
"Imagine if the whole guild found out that way?! Gods help us." The barmaid flung her rag onto the bar top, and Lucy only held out her hands entreatingly. She and Laxus were absolutely lucky only three people knew of the secret tryst spent in the back room, and Lucy didn't know how long that number would remain at three. Three was still far too many. She had been careful to easedrop on her way to the bar, and so far so good. The buzz around the guild hadn't hinted at any knowledge of the rendezvous, but with Fairy Tail you could never be too sure. She sat there mulling over the specific words of Mira's rebuke, and suspicion nagged at the back of Lucy's mind. Shouldn't Mira be more frustrated at Lucy's unfaithfulness to Natsu? She spun around on the bar stool and glared at the older woman, who was still presently scolding the blonde.
"Mira, shouldn't you be yelling at me for cheating on Natsu?" Lucy hissed, and the woman's eyes widened.
"Not my business!" Mira quickly dismissed with a wave of her hand before trying to scuttle away, and much to her disappointment discovered Lucy had a very firm grip when she wanted to.
"Mira... You knew about Natsu and Lisanna didn't you..." Lucy quietly asked, fixing the guilty looking take-over mage with an inquisitive gaze. Mira's face was answer enough, and Lucy limply released her hold on the woman. With downcast eyes, she steeled herself for the answer to her next question.
"Who else knew and didn't tell me?" Lucy almost didn't want to ask, but knew she needed to. With a sigh Mira gathered Lucy's cold hands in her own and gave it a light pat before responding.
"I truly don't know. There's been rumors… but there's always rumors you know? I had an idea Lucy but didn't want to believe it till Lisanna told me everything last night. I didn't know how to feel at first, I still don't. Guilty because I was happy for Lisanna," Mira watched Lucy recoil and tried to continue delicately, "rage at the deceit and betrayal of a close friend, and sadness at your loss. I was confused for some time, and I know Levy, Cana, and Gajeel felt the same way." So they knew too... Why didn't they tell me?
"I'm sorry Lucy. I didn't feel it was my place to tell you and felt conflicted. If it were your sister..." Mira explained how she had fought the urge to tell Lucy only to spare her flesh and blood. She then told her that Lisanna had been kicked out of their family home as punishment for her wrong-doing, and that she was currently staying with Evergreen in Fairy Hills.
"I asked her to talk to you and apologize-"
"I don't want her apology." Lucy said bitterly locking eyes with Mira, and she received a curt nod.
"I understand that, I really do. And I had anticipated as much," Mira sighed, "So I advised her not to force it. I also forbade her from seeing Natsu until you decided how things stood. But, Elf-nee and I can only do so much, she's still an adult with decisions of her own to make..." And Lucy knew it to be true- Lisanna would do what Lisanna wanted to do. And Natsu would as well. The thought still made her heart hurt, but with surprise Lucy found the sharp pains that were so prominent days before had dulled to low throb. It's as if she was in shock, or had become numb to the whole situation. Like her brain forced her to play witness to a play that was constantly on repeat, and the main character's death no longer shocked. Or just maybe... Laxus... Had he cleaned some of the mess in her heart and head? Lucy looked around, as she had when she emerged from the storeroom, and still found the guild devoid of him. He must have left discreetly from the northern exit.
"But it seems Lucy, you've found better, " And Mira poked the sore mark on Lucy's neck, "And I'm happy for you. I hope you find what you're looking for in all this mess, both for you and Natsu's sake. And find a way to tell the guild." Mira reprimanded, wagging her finger playfully in Lucy's direction. They exchanged a knowing look; Mira could only hold secrets for so long.
"Again, I'm sorry Lucy. And on behalf of Lisanna, I apologize for the dishonor she's brought on our family and to you. I hope things work out for you and Laxus." Mira gave Lucy's hand a gentle squeeze before moving down the bar and disappearing through the kitchen doors. Could things be more complicated?
Lucy found herself sighing again, a thing of habit lately. First things first- Natsu. He and Lisanna were getting a nice talking to. Lucy was done with the games and heartache. She was done with the sneaking and the lies. And if Natsu didn't decide to do things amicably, well she'd just have to live with his decision. She couldn't force anyone to do anything they didn't want to. She'd have to suck it up and admit her part in this, no matter everyone's reaction.
Secondly, Lucy didn't know why her neck ached, and prayed Laxus didn't leave too obvious a hicky on her exposed skin. She made herself as small as possible and moved to the nearest bathroom. The moment she was in front of the very old mirror, she couldn't help but throw her head back with annoyance. Her groan was laced with distaste, and she swatted at the oddly shaped purple mark where neck connected to shoulder. Laxus would get a nice talking to as well. No more damn hickies! Who the heck does that anymore, we're not freaking teens. She tried adjusting her top to cover the tell-tale mark, but to her disappointment her shirt was too loose to stay bunched around her neck. So, she changed her plans. She'd walk on home to change, go issue a formal break-up to her fiancé, and last but not least, demand Laxus never give her a visible hicky ever again. With a set mind and as casual a gait she could pull off, she clutched her marked neck and marched out the guild. A woman on a mission.