Lucy POV

I was at Laxus's dining table, waiting for lunch. He was rummaging around the kitchen, getting out plates and cutlery, before he walked to the fridge. He pulled out a beer and put it on the table in front of his plate and then he put a glass of orange juice in front of mine.

"Excuse me? Orange juice? Am I five? Why don't I get a beer?" I complained.

"Maybe because you've been drunk for two weeks straight and I'm terrified that you'll go there again?" he suggested with a cocked eyebrow.

"I won't. It was a bad time, and I messed up, but I'm not going to drink myself stupid again. I promise," I assured him.

He popped the tab on his beer and nodded. "Alright, do you want a beer then?" he offered.

I was about to say yes when I caught a whiff of his, and the smell turned my stomach. I wasn't ready to drink again. My body was still reeling from the two weeks of abuse it had endured.

"I'm fine with orange juice, actually," I shuddered.

Laxus chuckled, reaching out to squeeze my hand.

"How come you never came to visit me when I was on my bender?" I asked, trying to sound casual as I traced the rim of my juice glass with my finger.

"I tried twice," he admitted. "And both times your dumbass friends sent me away. The second time Erza even held a sword to my throat and threatened to chop my head off if I came back."

"What? Why would they do that?" I shrieked. Obviously I would have wanted to see him.

"Don't be mad at them," he quickly pacified me. "It was as much for my sake as it was for yours. They weren't sure if seeing me would make you sadder, and they knew that if I saw you like that, I'd potentially do unspeakable damage to Magnolia." His jaw clenched momentarily.

I stretched my hand out to hold his. "I'm okay, now. I just… everything got to me, you know? It became too much for me to handle and I just gave up, I guess. I was convinced I had ruined everything for everyone, and I knew I didn't deserve either of you, and Gildarts had left, and I didn't know how to fix things with you. It was so much, and I felt so miserable, that I spiraled. But Natsu, and Gray, and Levy, and Erza, they all helped. Cana also. She really kicked my ass. It was after she laid into me that I kinda snapped out of it," I confessed.

"Why? What did she say?" Laxus asked.

"She made me close my eyes and say the name of the first face that came to mind," I told him.

"And you saw me?" His voice was soft.

"No. I actually saw Bix, but Cana would've killed me, so I told her I saw you," I teased. "Of course I saw you, Laxus. I closed my eyes and saw your lightning. I saw you walk out of it and towards my apartment. It was the night that we had our date on your roof," I recollected.

"No Gildarts?" he reconfirmed hesitantly.

"No." My voice was resolute. "Laxus, I won't lie to you, part of me still hurts. I did love him. That doesn't go away quickly. But nothing holds a candle to my love for you. Maybe it's dumb that I needed a dream to make me realise that you were the only one I'd ever seen a future with, but it's true. Even in the hotel room, when we talked about dogs and kids and our home. It has always felt natural with you. I never talked about this stuff with Gildarts. We never planned a future together. But I did with you. When I think about the next 10, 20, 50 years, I only see myself next to you. I want you. I choose you," I insisted.

"And, hypothetically, if Gildarts came back tomorrow?" Laxus probed.

"It wouldn't change anything. I only want you. You make me happy. You are the one I see a family and a future with. You are the man I want to wake up next to everyday until I'm old and wrinkly. I swear," I looked deeply into his eyes, trying to convince him of my sincerity.

Laxus stared at me for several seconds. After endless moments of silence, he nodded.

"Okay," he said.

"Okay?"

"Yeah. Okay. I believe you. And I understand. About Gildarts. I'm not thrilled by it, but I understand. And I'm here for you, through everything. Because I want to wake up next to you everyday until I'm old and wrinkly too," he smiled.

I giggled, standing up from my seat to walk around the table and sit in his lap.

"What say we take our lunch to the roof? Have a nice afternoon picnic?" I suggested.

"Okay, grab our plates. I'll get the blanket," he kissed my cheek.

The roof was even prettier during the day. I could see into the forest, where the trees were still decorated with late summer blooms. Birdsong echoed around us, and a gentle, warm breeze ruffled my hair.

"You have the nicest house," I sighed, sitting down on the blanket.

"I'll get a key made for you. That way you can come and go whenever you want," Laxus said nonchalantly, taking a bite out of his sandwich.

"What?! Laxus, that's a big deal! You can't just casually offer me a key to your home!" I yelled. "I mean, we just started dating! Don't you want to get to know me first? What if I'm a serial killer or something?" I questioned. I really hoped he hadn't simply handed out house keys to other women he had dated.

"First of all, I'd really like to see you try and kill me in my sleep. Secondly, I already know you. We've been together for a while now, Blondie, catch up. And lastly, if you bang on my door at some god awful hour one more time, I will be forced to tie you up and lock you in a cupboard. With a key, you can just let yourself in, rather than rudely waking me up before sunrise," he rolled his eyes.

"You're still grumpy about that? It wasn't even before sunrise, Laxus. The sun had risen," I stuck my tongue out at him. "Plus, I bet I could totally kill you in your sleep," I finished with a shrug.

Laxus laughed deeply, tapping my nose. "So, do you want a key or not?" he asked.

I bit my lip. It felt like my insides had morphed to butterflies that were aching to break free. My heart hammered in my chest.

"Yes," I whispered.

"Right. I'll get one made and give it to you in the next couple of days," he nodded.

"And I'll give you a key to my apartment!" I offered excitedly.

"Blondie, I appreciate the gesture, but literally no one needs a key to your apartment. I have never seen a house that is more easy to break into. It's a miracle you aren't being robbed every night. Have you thought about grills on the windows, maybe?" he suggested.

"But how will Natsu get in?" I pursed my lips.

Laxus's eyes widened significantly. "The front door, Lucy! Like normal people." His jaw was practically on the floor. I shook my head resignedly.

"I'm getting you a key anyway," I shrugged.

Laxus made a "hmph" sound, before wrapping his arms around me and pulling me into his side. We sat squished together as we finished our lunch, electricity dancing between the points where our bodies touched.

"That was nice, thank you," I said, putting my plate off to the side. I took Laxus's empty plate from him and put it on top of mine before gently pushing him down and curling into his chest. His arms encircled my waist and we watched the afternoon sun dapple through the trees. Sunlight and shadows danced over Laxus's features, and I alternated my gaze between watching him and watching the trees. It was a close call as to which was more beautiful, but in the end, Laxus won. I watched him intently, with his eyes closed and lips parted, breathing evenly, as golden sunlight highlighted his cheekbones and nose and long eyelashes.

"I can feel you staring," he muttered, eyes still closed.

"You're gorgeous. I can't help it," I whispered back.

"Shut up and kiss me, Blondie," he smiled.

I giggled, leaning to capture his lips in a soft, chaste kiss. Our mouths moved together languidly, gently taking the time to explore one another. As we kissed, our fingers traced each other's faces, memorising every contour.

I kissed down to his neck, tasting the citrusy sweetness of his skin. His fingers were combing through my hair, pushing it back so that he could watch me as I explored his body with my mouth.

"Can you take your shirt off?" I asked hoarsely.

"Yeah." His voice was thick as he sat up just enough to pull it off.

I sat on his hips, kissing his throat, and his collarbones. I took my time, kissing and licking every inch of his torso as softly and delicately as I could.

I let my lips glide over his muscular chest, ghosting kisses on his nipples before trailing down to his abs. My tongue slid over every groove and contour of his taut abdomen. My fingers danced up and down his sides, fluttering up to his shoulders before snaking down to his waistband.

His bulge was nestled in my ass and I could feel how incredibly hard he was. He was breathing in ragged pants as I kissed my way from his throat down to the trail of hair below his stomach. Gripping his shoulders, I rolled onto my back, pulling him with me. He braced himself on his elbows, his face in line with mine.

"Fuck me," I asked huskily.

"Yeah?" he flicked his tongue out, running it over my bottom lip.

"Mmhmm," I nodded.

"How do you wanna be fucked, baby?" his eyes twinkled seductively.

"Hard," I moaned. "Make me forget how to spell," I bit my lip and grinned, reminding him of his promise to me the first time we had sex.

Laxus laughed. "You gonna try spelling 'orgasm' again?"

"Mm, after you give me several," I purred, licking the shell of his ear.

He exhaled sharply, one hand drifting under my top. His fingers blazed a fiery path from my hip up to my nipple. He lowered his face, kissing my throat.

"Get naked right fucking now before I tear your clothes off with my teeth," he whispered against my collarbone.

"Really?" I taunted, raising an eyebrow.

Laxus looked up at me with narrowed eyes before gripping the edge of my top between his teeth and tearing the fabric halfway down to my stomach.

"You're an animal," I whispered in shock.

"I'm a dragon. And I don't like being denied what's mine. Take your clothes off before I rip them further," he warned.

It's not like I can salvage this…

One corner of my mouth lifted. "I dare you," I whispered.

Laxus growled, his teeth back on my top. He ripped the fabric right off me, leaving only a few tattered shreds trapped under my back. He moved down to my shorts, biting my thigh firmly before capturing the fabric between his teeth. He tugged at it and I felt the waistband pinch into my side. Another firm tug and I heard seams to rip. Within seconds, my shorts had been reduced to frayed strips of cloth.

"Much better," he crooned, looking at me appreciatively. He kicked his pants off before sitting back on his haunches to look at me some more.

"God, you're stunning," he murmured. My hands went to my sides, following the same path his fingers had, skimming their way up from my hips to my breasts.

Laxus dipped forward, bringing his face to my dripping centre. My legs were spread wide, allowing him unfettered access. He sucked on my clit, his tongue flicking against the hard nub. I was gasping softly as he tasted me, his lips moving sensually over my wetness.

I felt my juices trickle out of me, and the drops that Laxus didn't lap up slid down to my butt.

"I'm so fucking wet," I panted. My arousal was deepening as he continued his ministrations.

"You taste brilliant, baby," Laxus said with a tender kiss to my clit that sent shocks of pleasure through me.

I placed my foot on his shoulder, pushing him back. He sat down in front of me, watching to see what I'd do. I got on all fours and crawled between his legs.

"Mouth or pussy?" I asked tantalisingly, looking up at him.

"Fuck," he whispered. I held his member in my fist, slowly pumping him while he contemplated both options. I could see him start to unravel, until suddenly, his gaze snapped up to meet mine, his eyes in full focus.

"Fuck me, then blow me. I want to cum down your throat," he demanded sultrily.

I climbed onto his lap, facing him, with my legs around his hips. I lowered myself onto his cock and rocked my hips.

"Good decision," I purred in his ear.

Laxus flexed his hips, jerking his cock inside me, while I ground myself against him. I picked up my speed, furiously moving my hips, but it wasn't enough.

"Fuck me hard," I keened, falling backwards onto the blanket and pulling Laxus with me.

He bent my knees, pushing them into my chest, and his hands went under my neck, cradling my head. In this compact position, with easy access to my pussy, Laxus rammed his cock into me.

"Fuck, your cunt is tight like this," he hissed appreciatively.

After having deliciously fucked me with his mouth, it took only a few thrusts of his cock until I was convulsing through an intense orgasm. My screams of pleasure drowned out all other sounds, and Laxus continued to drill into me, coaxing out moans that grew increasingly louder.

When the last waves of my orgasm passed, Laxus pulled out, allowing my feet to drop back to the ground. He pushed my legs apart and picked up his half full beer can. The can still had a thin layer of icy frost around the sides, slowly being dissipated by drops of condensation. Laxus touched the cold can to my shin and I shivered. He then moved it up, and gently placed it against my inner thigh. I yelped and jerked my leg away, but Laxus held my ankle, forcing me to keep still. He dragged the can along my inner thigh, leaving a chilly path as he moved it close to my centre. I knew what was coming next, and I tightened my core in anticipation. Apart from the areas being caressed by the can, the rest of my skin was ablaze.

He knew I was anticipating his next move and so he took his time. He brought the can close to my centre only to take it away. He repeated this over and over, watching my lips part and breath hitch every time he came too close. And then, after an excruciating few moments, he touched the cold can to my clit. I hissed sharply and my body shuddered. My sensitive clit hummed as the chill radiated through me. Laxus pressed the can to my clit once more, holding it there while a finger dipped into me. My eyes rolled back in my head and I let them flutter shut. My back was arched and hips tilted towards Laxus, urging him to continue this sweet torture.

He langrously pumped his finger in and out of me, the cold can still firm against my hard nub. I knew I was fast on my way to a second orgasm.

"Laxus, m-more," I begged, opening my eyes to look at him. He was watching me with fascination, watching how I was coming apart under his skillful fingers.

"Shh," he hushed me, slipping a second finger inside my warmth. He curled them, stroking my walls as drops of condensation began to run down my pussy. A cold drop landed on his fingers as he was pulling them out, and when he pushed them back in, the icy condensation met my heated core and, just like that, my body was spasming as another orgasm ripped through me. I came around his fingers, screaming his name.

"Fuck! Laxus, please fuck me, please please please… fuck, oh god… Laxus… more, please… yes, oh god," I cried incoherently. All I knew was that I needed to feel Laxus fill me up.

Laxus pulled me to my feet and hooked one of my legs over his elbow. His other hand was on my ass, balancing me, as he cleanly thrust into me. My tits were pressed into his chest, and the one foot that I still had on the ground was on tip-toes. Laxus was supporting me entirely against him, our faces tilted towards each other as he fucked me relentlessly. Our eyes were locked and breathy moans continuously left my lips.

"Fuck baby," Laxus groaned softly when he felt my pussy tighten around his cock. He kneaded my ass roughly, quickening the pace of his strokes.

"Harder… oh god, harder…" I cried, thrusting my hips forward.

Laxus bent down and kissed me before driving into my wetness brutally. My hands were fisted in his hair, tugging sharply at the blond locks as his cock brought me towards my third orgasm.

"Yes, fucking cum for me, baby. Cum all over my fucking cock so that you can taste how fucking sweet you are," Laxus gritted, pounding my pussy. The knob of his cock slammed against my sensitive spot, and when Laxus bent down to bite my neck, I felt my pussy lock onto his cock like a vice.

I nearly slipped out of Laxus's hold, my orgasm exploding out of me. My vision went stark white and I leaned heavily against Laxus, my breath constricting in my throat.

My limbs felt non-functional as Laxus held me to him, leisurely thrusting into me as I rode out every last orgasmic wave.

When my breath finally returned and I didn't think I was going to collapse, I let Laxus slip out of me before I dropped to my knees.

I looked up at him through my lashes, his cock in my fist. I kissed the tip of his cock and he hissed, his hips moving involuntarily. With one hand firmly on the base of his shaft, gently pumping, I pulled the head of his dick between my lips. I sucked the knob, letting my tongue flick out to tickle the slit at the tip every so often. My juices were slicked over his dick, mixing with his precum to create a heady, sweet, musky flavour that was addictive. We tasted incredible.

Hollowing my cheeks, I took more of him in. I bobbed my head on his cock, one hand still pumping the base of his shaft while I rolled his balls along the fingers of my other hand.

Laxus was moaning as my tongue slid over the underside of his shaft. He was whispering a stream of "Yes, baby" and it spurred me on. I took him as far into my mouth as I could, until I felt him hit the back of my throat. I pulled out until only his head was between my lips before taking him down my throat again. I found his hand and threaded it into my hair before returning my fingers to his balls.

Laxus took the hint, holding my head in place as he thrust into my mouth. As he fucked my face, he locked his gaze with mine, watching his cock vanish between my lips.

He was grunting ridiculously sexily and I could feel his dick twitch. His balls tightened in my hand and I began pumping his cock with vigour, swirling my tongue around the head as he began thrusting erratically. With a jerk of his hips, Laxus unloaded his seed down my throat. He came explosively and copiously, and I struggled to keep his cum from spilling out between my lips. I swallowed every drop, savouring his taste, and when he was done, I continued to suck, drawing out any errant drops that may have remained. I ran my tongue along his shaft, licking up remnants of our mixed juices before I stood up to kiss him deeply. I slipped my tongue into his mouth, wanting him to taste us together.

"I love how we taste," I murmured against his lips.

"So good, baby," he agreed, kissing me again.

"And I love you," I whispered.

"I love you too, Blondie," he mumbled, his teeth firmly biting down on my lip. His hands were caressing my ass, occasionally smacking down the flesh as we kissed passionately.

"Shower sex, then sex in bed, then dinner, then more sex," I instructed, pulling away. I picked up the empty plates and marched down the stairs, naked and determined, while Laxus followed me, laughing softly.

A/N: I think this is my longest chapter so far? But I feel like we all collectively deserve this after the angst and drama of the last few chapters. Some nice fluffy smutty content.

Also, here's your heads up! We got two chapters left, and then an epilogue. I am also super open to suggestions for new fics or ships that you guys want to see, so hit me up!