Lucy POV

The house was dark and deathly silent. With the exception of the occasional cricket and Laxus's even breathing, I couldn't hear a thing.

Excellent.

I silently walked to the bedroom, staying on my toes to ensure I didn't make a single sound. The metal blade was cold in my hand. I had a small, evil emile playing at my lips as I stood in the doorway, watching my boyfriend sleep. He was fast asleep, I was sure of it.

I rounded the bed, creeping towards him, knife at the ready. I slowly swung my arm towards him, aiming for his throat. But when the blade was two inches away from its target, his hand shot up, catching my wrist.

"Lucy, this is your tenth assassination attempt in three months. Is this something I need to be worried about?" he asked, sounding entirely awake, though his eyes were still closed.

"How did you know?!" I screeched under my breath, not wanting to cause a racket at night. "You were unconscious! You even had those whiskeys with dinner! You shouldn't be awake!" I hissed.

"I was unconscious until you stomped into the room. If you're going to kill me, you need to be quieter," he recommended.

"I was so quiet this time, Laxus. I was silent. Like a ghost," I climbed on top of him, straddling his hips and he opened his eyes to look at me.

It had become somewhat of a joke between us after that afternoon on the roof where he challenged me by saying I couldn't kill him in his sleep. I had tried, and failed, ten times so far, but I never lost hope. I was determined to win this challenge.

"Please stop trying to prove that you can kill me in my sleep, baby. You can't. Perks of having ridiculously amazing senses," Laxus tapped a finger against my forehead. Then, plucking the knife out of my hand, he looked at me bemusedly. "Really? A butter knife? That was your big assassination plan? You were going to slit my throat with a butter knife?" he questioned incredulously.

"I didn't want to actually kill you, you know," I rolled my eyes. "I just want to show you that I can, if I wanted to. Maybe then you'll regret giving me a house key so quickly. You'll realise I'm absolutely insane," I prodded him teasingly.

"You tried killing me with a butter knife… I know you're absolutely insane. And I regretted giving you a key the day you burst into my house at five in the morning wanting coffee," he huffed.

"You make better coffee than I do," I pouted.

Laxus just laughed. He rolled me off of him, pulling the covers up to my chest. He kissed me gently and wrapped an arm around me, nestling his face into my throat.

"Go to sleep, my crazy girl," he mumbled. "And happy birthday." He kissed my neck and was asleep within seconds.

The next morning I woke myself up with a moan. I could feel heat pooling in my belly, and my toes were curled, gripping the bedspread. My lips were parted, and before I could process what was happening, another strangled moan escaped from me.

As my body woke up, I felt pressure on my clit. It was a couple seconds before I realised that Laxus had his face between my legs. I opened my eyes to see his blond head buried in my pussy, swirling his tongue over my wetness.

"You're too good to me," I croaked sleepily, combing my fingers through his hair.

He looked up and grinned. "Happy birthday, baby." He sat up, leaning forward to kiss me deeply before returning his attention to my clit.

He tugged at the nub, flicking it with his tongue, as he delicately inserted a finger into me. I let my eyes fall shut, enjoying the way he leisurely ate me out. He took his time tasting me, letting me entirely sink into my arousal. And when I came, it was a slow, extended, numbingly good orgasm that very nearly made me drift back to sleep.

Laxus moved to sit next to me, pulling me into his arms.

"Best birthday gift ever," I whispered, turning to kiss him.

"I'm actually a little offended that you thought me eating you out was your gift," he looked at me with a raised eyebrow.

My eyes twinkled expectantly. "Okay, what's my actual gift?"

Laxus smiled, leaning over to his bedside table and pulling out a long velvet box. He handed it to me nonchalantly.

I opened the box with shaky hands. Inside was a delicate silver bracelet with two charms dangling from it.

"A lightning bolt for you-" I whispered.

"And a star for you," he finished softly. "Do you like it?"

I gazed at the bracelet, enraptured. "I love it," I whispered thickly. I threw my arms around his neck, kissing him deeply. "I love it so much, Laxus!" I exclaimed into his mouth.

I gently removed the bracelet from its box and handed it to him before sticking my wrist in his face.

"I want to wear it," I declared.

With a chuckle, Laxus clasped it on. It looked even better on my wrist. I held it close to my face, watching the morning sun glint off our charms. It was perfect.

"Thank you!" I squealed happily, hugging him again.

"I'm not done, Blondie," he said, getting out of bed and pulling on pants. He threw his T-shirt to me and I slipped it on, following him out of the bedroom.

"Why are we at your store room?" I asked, staring at the door. The last time I'd been in here, it was a mess of gear, boxes, old papers, and other junk. It had been such a disaster that I never opened that door again.

"Open it," he urged.

"Your store room is a mess. Don't make me clean it on my birthday," I pleaded.

Laxus sighed heavily. "Open the door, Lucy."

Hesitantly, I turned the knob, pushing the door open. I felt every breath of air leave my lungs.

What had been a musty, dark room was now open and sunny and beautiful. There was a pretty desk against a window, with an even prettier typewriter sitting on it. A cozy carpet and lounge chair adorned the floor space. Plants grew happily in a corner and lovely paintings of mountain landscapes decorated the walls.

"Lax- Huh- Wha- I-" I fumbled stupidly before looking at him in shock.

"I thought this could be your study," he shrugged.

"When did…"

"The team came over last weekend when you were with the girls. They helped set this up," he answered.

"And it's…"

"Yes, it's yours. If you want it," he confirmed.

"Really? My study?" I blubbered, tears forming in my eyes. It was the nicest room I'd ever seen.

"All yours," he wrapped his arms around my waist and kissed my cheek.

I was in shock. My brain had short-circuited and I couldn't process anything. I stood gaping like a fish.

"You like it, don't you?" his voice had a tinge of concern.

I slipped out of his arms, sinking down to sit cross legged on the soft carpet, before I began bawling.

"It's so perfect," I cried. "The typewriter, and the plants, and the paintings and the lounge chair, and this carpet! How is this carpet so soft?!" I buried my fingers in it, continuing to cry. "I don't deserve this or you. It's so good. This is the best present ever!" I wailed, turning around to hug his legs.

My meltdown had sent Laxus into a fit of laughter. He hooked his arms under mine, pulling me to my feet.

"I have one last present. Do you want it now or do you need a minute?" he asked, still chuckling.

"Now, please," I sniffled, wiping my cheeks.

He led me back to his bedroom. He positioned me in front of his two double-door cupboards. He opened the first one, showing me his clothes.

"Your cupboard's a little messy," I pointed out, noticing how clothes were nearly falling out.

"Shut up," he elbowed me before opening the second cupboard. Which was empty, save for a solitary bra.

"Why is my bra in your empty closet?" I asked, confused.

"You left this here ages ago. So I figured I'd put it into your cupboard for you," he shrugged.

"I could have just taken it ho- wait, my cupboard?" I processed, facing him with wide eyes.

"Move in with me. I'll have to get more closets built, but that's not a big deal. You have a key, and your study, and I love when you're here. So, what do you say? Will you live with me?" he asked, cradling my cheek.

"You want me to live here? With you? All the time? Forever?" I fumbled.

"Yes," he replied assuredly.

"Are you sure?" I reconfirmed.

"Absolutely. Do you want to live with me?" he asked concernedly.

My breath hitched and a fresh wave of tears began to leak out. "More than anything," I gasped, flinging myself into him. Laxus lifted me off my feet, hugging me to him.

"Best birthday ever," I whispered excitedly, making Laxus laugh.

After amazing birthday sex and a lovely breakfast, I got dressed to go to the guild.

"Are you coming back here tonight?" Laxus asked, also changing.

"No, birthday sleepover with the girls, remember? And I'm doing lunch with Natsu and Gray. So I'll see you tomorrow?" I confirmed.

"I'll leave tomorrow at noon, babe," Laxus reminded me.

"Oh, right. Only for a week though, no?"

He nodded with a "mmhmm".

"Actually, that works then. I'll spend the week packing, and when you're back, you can help me move the boxes?"

Laxus walked up to me and kissed me. "Perfect," he whispered.

"But now I'm not going to see you for a week," I pouted.

"Ditch the two idiots and do lunch with me. Or do me at lunch, your call," Laxus suggested with a wink.

I smacked his arm, laughing. "Nice try, buddy."

"It was worth a shot," he shrugged.

We teleported to the guild together and before he went up to his office, he kissed me deeply.

"I'll try seeing you later today, but if I can't catch you, have an amazing birthday, my love. And don't forget to pack," he kissed my cheek.

"Have a safe mission, babe. And stay out of trouble. I don't want anything delaying my move-in date, okay?" I warned.

Laxus laughed as we kissed. I waved goodbye, before turning to seek out Natsu and Gray.

Lunch with my two boys went about as expected. Mainly, a lot of bickering. Gray continued to deny being with Juvia, until I spilled the beans that they had been caught feeling each other up. His ears went bright red and Natsu's jaw hit the floor. Natsu continued to be blissfully single, even after I spelled out for him that Lisanna wanted to date him. He shrugged it off, claiming I was probably just seeing things. We talked about Laxus and I told them about how I was moving in with him. I asked them to help me pack over the next week, telling them it could be their birthday present to me, and they grudgingly agreed.

None of us talked about Gildarts. Gray even flinched at Cana's name, worried that the conversation would move from her to her father, but it didn't.

And I was thankful for that. Because, while the pain had dulled, it hadn't passed. I still missed him. I occasionally read his letter and I'd still cry. I was happy with Laxus. I was more than happy, actually. But the love I had for Gildarts had been real, and the loss of it still hurt a little.

I went back to my apartment after lunch, and Laxus did swing by briefly for tea and to say goodbye once more. He had to go home to pack and the girls would be by shortly, so we rushed through a quickie in the kitchen, desperately fucking each other with messy kisses and roving hands, needing one more taste before we were separated for a week. He pressed my back against the wall, slamming into me roughly while my teeth nipped down on his neck, and when we came, we came explosively, both of us moaning and convulsing.

We quickly cleaned up and pulled our clothes back on. Laxus had just finished fastening his belt when my doorbell rang.

"Good fucking timing," he murmured, grinning. A couple minutes earlier, and my friends would have heard me wantonly mewling his name.

I pulled the door open and Laxus quickly slipped his feet into his shoes.

"Evening, girls," he acknowledged. He pulled me into a hug and crushed his lips to mine, slipping his tongue into my mouth. He kissed me passionately, holding me close to him, our lips moving sensuously. One of the girls cleared their throats and Laxus broke away, gently swatting my butt. "Have fun, baby. I'll see you in a week. Love you," he called, slipping out.

"Love you too!" I waved, shutting the door.

"Damn," Cana said with a low whistle. "If your kisses are that hot, I can't even imagine what the sex is like." She fanned herself dramatically.

I blushed deeply. "Sorry," I mumbled.

"No, don't be sorry. That was incredible," Levy said, looking a little starstruck.

"It was… Wow, Lucy," Erza gaped.

"Shut up, all of you," I snorted, walking to the kitchen to pour everyone wine.

"Happy birthday, by the way!" They all yelled in unison, hugging me from the back as I pulled a bottle out.

When we were all comfortable and in my bedroom with our wine, I broke the news.

"Girls, this may be our last sleepover here," I began ominously.

"What? Why?" Erza demanded.

"Because…" I trailed off mischievously.

"I'll punch you in your gorgeous, big tits, Lucy," Cana threatened.

"Jeez, no need to be violent… Okay, fine. Laxus asked me to move in!" I squealed.

"What?!" All three screeched.

"Yeah. I'm packing this week, and when he's back, he's helping me move!" I said excitedly.

I told them about the study and the cupboard and how thoughtful he'd been.

"Lu, that's amazing," Levy gushed. "I want to move in with Gajeel too!" she whined.

"Babe, you basically already live there…" Cana pointed out.

"But not officially. Most of my clothes and books are still in my house," the little blue-haired mage huffed.

"Gajeel is… a little bit like Natsu," I put it gently. "Sometimes, you gotta spell stuff out for them y'know? Just tell him. Knowing him, he probably thinks you both already do live together," I pointed out.

"Lucy's right. Just tell him. Jellal told me that he wanted to live with me. It's difficult, considering he can't stay in one place long, but he has clothes in my house and a key and it's good enough for both of us right now," Erza shrugged.

"Aw, Erza," Levy leaned over to squeeze her friend's hand. "It must be difficult," she said sympathetically.

"We'll figure it out. I know we will," Erza assured. She didn't sound disheartened at all, but I could tell she didn't want to linger on the topic.

"What about Bix, Cana? Have you guys made progress?" I asked.

"Uh… Like we say 'I love you' and shit, but I am not ready to move in with him, if that's what you're asking," she clarified.

"You said you loved him?!" I screeched. "Cana! That's great!"

She brushed it off with a "Yeah, yeah, no big deal."

I shook my head ruefully, smiling at my friend.

It wasn't until we were several glasses of wine down that Levy remembered something important.

"Shit! I had to give you something, Lu!" she jumped up and hurried to her bag. She dug through it, pulling out a white envelope.

"Mira asked me to give this to you. It came to the guild this afternoon. I completely forgot about it, sorry," she apologised, handing me the envelope.

"Who's it from?" Cana asked, craning her neck to get a good look.

"Doesn't say," I mumbled. The envelope just had a To Lucy scrawled on the front.

"Do you think it's dangerous?" Levy looked at it worriedly.

"No, Mira wouldn't have given it to you if she suspected it might be dangerous," Erza shook her head.

"Go on, open it," Cana urged.

I tore the envelope as neatly as I could, fishing out the folded paper inside. Anticipation was clawing at my stomach as I opened it up.

Happy birthday, baby girl. Hope you have a great day. I owe you a present, and I promise to give it to you soon.

Until then.

He had written to me. After over three months, he'd finally written to me. And he was going to meet me. He'd meet me to give me my present. I'd see him after all this time. I had so much to ask him, the most important question being why he left without talking to me first. I looked at the letter again, knowing without a doubt it was from him when I recognised his handwriting. I couldn't believe he's written to me.

My heart stopped beating and the letter fell out of my hands. Erza picked it up and read it aloud.

"Who's it from?" she asked.

"Lucy, are you okay?" Levy shook my shoulder.

"Who is the letter from, Lu?" Cana probed. "Is it from Laxus?"

I shook my head numbly.

"Gildarts," I croaked out.

A/N: I will only accept a move-in offer if it comes with a beautiful study. This is my primary life goal. Also, fun news, because I'm posting as I write, I underestimated how many chapters I'd have left, and it's two plus and epilogue AFTER this one. So yay! One extra surprise chapter because I didn't think this chapter would be so long! And the next one is even longer! I can't estimate chapters to save my life! Woohoo! (yes I already have the next one written because it was exciting and it kinda happened in one sitting. Shall upload that one also shortly)