Chapter Eight

Elie was awakened by the sound of a firm knock on her front door, Lucy wrote. She wasn't expecting any visitors, especially so early in the morning. Nonetheless, she stood up, marched to the living room, and finally yanked on the doorknob to see who it was. To her surprise, she found herself face to face with Haru, who immediately apologized for being gone without informing her about his whereabouts. Elie felt relieved that Haru hadn't forgotten her. It turned out that his father had sent him and some of his friends to Hip Hop Town for some urgent business.

Lucy bit her lip and looked over at Laxus, who was asleep on her couch. The lightning mage didn't seem uncomfortable even if the couch didn't measure up to his ridiculous height and large frame. Half of his body was practically dangling from the couch, and his long legs were propped up on the armrest.

When he'd arrived at her place around eight in the morning, Lucy found him in a sorry state. His blond hair was disheveled, and there were dark circles under his eyes. Apparently, her apartment had been his first stop upon arriving in Magnolia.

Despite his tired look, he'd managed to flash her a sexy grin before giving her a bone-crushing hug. When she'd offered to fix him something to eat, Laxus politely declined and sheepishly asked if he could take a quick nap on the couch.

That was three hours ago. As he slept, Lucy had taken the liberty to shower and get dressed. This time, she'd let her blond hair loose. And, of course, she'd put on some light makeup and perfume to make herself feel more confident.

S-class jobs must be taxing even for mages with an S-class status, Lucy thought as she continued to watch her boyfriend.

She suddenly remembered Natsu wanting to go on S-class missions so badly it was crazy. Although it would be nice to receive hefty rewards, Lucy didn't like the idea of taking on highly dangerous jobs.

Should I wake him up?

As if on cue, Laxus let out a grunt and opened his eyes. Then, he quickly sat up and faced Lucy.

"How long was I out?" he asked.

"About three hours," Lucy replied promptly.

Laxus grimaced. "Sorry about that," he said apologetically. "I'll go."

"Well, we can just go to the guildhall together," Lucy suggested. "I'm all dressed and ready." She hastily slid her pen and writing pad into her backpack.

"Nah, I gotta take a shower at my place first," Laxus muttered, rising to his feet.

"Oh… right." Lucy nodded, feeling a bit disappointed that they had to part again. "I guess I'll see you later at the guild."

The lightning mage stared at her. "Ah? What's the matter?"

"Nothing." Lucy shook her head.

"Hmm… Wanna accompany me to my place?" Laxus suggested. "After I'm all nice and clean, we'll go to the guildhall together."

Lucy's eyes widened. "Really?" She'd get to see Laxus Dreyar's place? How amazing is that?

"Yeah."

"Okay!"


Lucy knew it's ridiculous for her to be still fangirling on Laxus, but she couldn't help it. When they'd arrived at his place, he told her to make herself comfortable and then disappeared into the bathroom to take a shower.

While Lucy sat on a cozy sofa, she ogled at his apartment. She was amazed at how clean and spacious it was. All his furniture looked expensive, and he had tons of workout equipment. Lucy doubted she could ever lift any single one of them.

I'm really at Laxus' apartment! If someone had told me a few days ago that I'd be invited here, I would've rolled over laughing.

Lucy decided to pull out her writing pad to continue working on her manuscript.

Elie and Haru finally shared a hug inside her home, she scribbled. After Haru told her all about his trip to Hip Hop Town, Elie confessed what had happened at the tavern… that she and Musica almost kissed… and that she found Musica attractive at that time because she was lonely and thought Haru had forgotten her.

Elie had always prided herself for her honesty. Right now, she was ready for Haru to loudly give her a piece of his mind.

To her surprise, he was calm, although he seemed hurt by her confession. She quickly assured him that she would never let herself be in that situation again and that she only wanted to be with him.

But Haru shook his head. He told her that he should've been there for her more and then apologized that he made her feel lonely.

Lucy was about to write some more when she heard the bathroom door open. She let out a tiny squeak when she saw Laxus stepped out, wearing nothing but a towel wrapped around his lower body. His gorgeous face and torso were glistening like jewels, or at least that's how a giddy Lucy saw it.

Drool. Drool. Drool… Wait. What am I thinking?

"Babe, snap out of it, would you?" Laxus chuckled. "You'll drool all over my carpets."

Lucy blushed and looked away. "Whatever." She forgot that Laxus can sometimes be so haughty.

"Just kidding. I'm gonna go and get dressed. Be out in a sec." With that, he disappeared into his bedroom.

Her heart thundering in her chest, Lucy leaned back on the sofa and heaved a sigh. Her attraction to Laxus only grew as time went by. If she didn't act cool, he might end up thinking that his girlfriend was creepy.

The celestial mage suddenly felt a sense of panic. Was she starting to act like Juvia?

Of course not. I'm overthinking again.

"Yeah, I did. Why?" Lucy heard Laxus' irritated voice coming from his bedroom.

She frowned. Who was he talking to?

"The Thunder Legion is there to give the full report. Why do I have to be there?" There it was again. Only louder this time.

Curious, Lucy leaped to her feet and walked towards the direction of his bedroom.

She noticed that the bedroom door was slightly open. Resisting the urge to peek, Lucy knocked.

Laxus was quick to open the door. He was already dressed, and his expression looked surprised. "Oh, hey. I was about to step out."

"Sorry, but I heard your voice," Lucy said. "Were you talking to someone?"

Laxus raised his hand, showing her the communications lacrima he held. "Yeah. Mirajane," he said simply. "I just hung up on her."

Lucy was taken aback. "So, uh, what did she want?" she asked tentatively.

"She called to ask why I wasn't at the guildhall yet to give the report about the failed mission," he replied. "Told her the Thunder Legion could give it."

"Failed mission?" Lucy repeated.

"Yeah, sucks. We're not supposed to be back in Magnolia yet, but Gramps told us that if ever our cover was blown, we needed to return…" Laxus seemed to notice he was rambling about something Lucy had no knowledge about. "It's a long story, babe. I'll tell you all about it later. But right now, I think it's best we head to the guild."

"Okay," Lucy agreed. Natsu was going to be so jealous that Laxus would be telling her all about his S-class mission. But then again, Laxus wouldn't appreciate it if Natsu would learn that it was a failed one. Too bad she couldn't brag about it to the fire mage.

She was about to turn and head to the front door, when Laxus placed a hand on her shoulder. "Wait," he said. "I forgot something."

Lucy turned to him. "Hm? What is it?"

Before she knew it, Laxus had cupped her face with his hands, bent over, and kissed her on the lips. Lucy inhaled sharply in surprise, but then she closed her eyes and kissed him back.

His mouth felt warm, and she could feel her heart racing and stomach doing a series of backflips. She'd been waiting for this moment to feel his lips on hers again just like the first time. It finally happened.

At the first touch of tongues, Lucy suddenly felt her knees buckle, but Laxus' powerful arm caught her in time. He then pressed her body closer to his as he played his tongue with hers.

Moments later, Laxus pulled back, breathing hard, his forehead against hers. Lucy was also catching her breath, her cheeks flushed.

"You better include this scene in your naughty novel."

"Oh, shut up, Laxus."


I'm still alive... XD