Absolutes
Prologue
Without realizing it, the blonde had captivated his curiosity. Such a weak looking thing, yet at the most impossible moments, her inner strength and tenacity never ceased to surprise him. It was with this strength she possessed his thoughts throughout the years. One day after he returned from a mission, she just waltzed into his guild, flashing those curves and temper like she owned the world, and it had pissed him off. Months later he decided to kill two birds with one stone- claim mastership of the guild, as well as her body and pride. Maybe turning her to stone wasn't the greatest idea at the time, but how else was he going to keep her from being the mage to turn the tide in Fantasia? Of all the things he had heard of her, one thing was true- the mysterious power she possessed had moments of brilliance, and that was the last thing he needed popping up and ruining his plans. Of course he still thought she was weak at the time; only because she viewed herself as such. She was limited only because she limited herself- and that characteristic in anyone disgusted his younger self at the time. Yet even in her marble cast, courtesy of Ever, the younger blonde had still looked delectable. She would've made a ripe addition to his list of conquests, yet now as he sat glowering across the hall from the now matured woman, he was thankful his horrific plans hadn't reached fruition.
Why fate had planted her within his reach time and time again, yet just far enough away for him to live in an eternal state of confused frustration, Laxus had no idea. The blonde was so trivial at first, after her consistent rejection of his advances, he gave no further thought to her until his return to the guild as the prodigal son. But once again fate had other plans- apparently his once superficial attraction had blossomed to much more as time progressed, but instead of him being able to pursue said woman once he had plucked up courage, she was engaged to another dragonslayer. Everyone had seen the engagement coming from miles away, and the guild took advantage the moment the couple made their announcement to party. Many mages were disappointed that day, and one in particular had caught Laxus' attention- Lisanna. The poor girl looked like she'd die of a broken heart. It was of no concern to Laxus, as he was nursing his own bruised ego. He wouldn't ever get a chance with the spitfire celestial mage at this rate; she and Natsu had too much history together, and too strong of a friendship for the engagement to not work. As it was, he had to consistently bury his ever growing desire for the blonde woman in an effort to retain his sanity, and yet the careless reprimands and jests she threw his way tested his resolve. She had no idea the mess she was making of his world, or how every sway of her hips and gentle encouragement she gave him made his mind an endless bout of silent torture. But he kept mum- Mavis help him should anyone in the guild learn of his true weakness. And as years passed, he was the ever dutiful mentor and wizened leader the guild so needed. Her strong defender during the games, and metaphorical protector- always from a distance and always silently watching, ready to lend a hand should Natsu ever fail. But their relationship stood firm, and in no time they were dating, which eventually evolved into a comfortable engagement. Naturally.
So here he was, stoically watching the blonde plant her cherry lips on the beer bottle once more, during another increasingly occurring night she was without Natsu. And she seemed none to pleased about it. It wasn't like the woman to drink, but the more Natsu and Lisanna disappeared on missions, the more he saw her in the grand hall with suds in her hand. And every night she wore her loneliness like a beautiful diamond- even in her sadness the woman was stunning. He sighed uncharacteristically with angry longing, thankful his team was elsewhere for the night, and continued to watch as Mira comforted the now drunk and giggling woman. Before long, the blonde toppled off her spot on the bench with a whoop and laugh, and Laxus nearly spewed his beer in mirth. She was more drunk than he had suspected. Mira peered about helplessly and he watched with interest at her silent exchange with the iron dragonslayer Gajeel. No help was to be found there, and suddenly- oh no- she was waggling a finger at him.
Oh fuck.