CHAPTER 8

A/N: This is a bit lengthy. It takes a while as I am just short of inspiration these days. Anyway, I hope you enjoy reading. I apologize in advance for grammar mistakes as English is not my first language. But I know you know that already

Disclaimer: I do not own Fairy Tail.

…..

Happy wakes up feeling very hot and his fur is drenched in sweat. When he lifts his head, he can see Lucy breathing heavily on her sleep. He touches her forehead and he can feel it is too hot on his touch. "Lucy, are you okay?" he touches her face but the girl just moans under her breath so he looks for a towel to soothe her burning face and places it on her forehead.

She sits up in her bed feeling dizzy. "Lucy," Happy says her name. "I am okay Happy, my body just aches all over and it just feels heavy. This is nothing" She said not moving in her bed, steadying herself, as her vision swims and there is a pounding on her head. Then she suddenly runs to the bathroom as she feels bile is forming in the pit of her stomach.

Happy flies over her, rubs her back then gets her a glass of water. Then Virgo popped out of nowhere. Lucy is brushing her teeth now when she is done; she slowly walks to her bed and lies down again. "I will just sleep this off guys. Happy, just head to the guild without me," she said feeling weak.

"Will she be okay, Virgo?" Happy asks the maid spirit.

"She will be Happy-sama," Virgo says as she moves around the room. She boils water from the stove.

Once she falls asleep again, Virgo tells him to fetch Wendy with the strict instruction to only bring the girl alone.

…..

Wendy, Carla and Happy rang the bell at Lucy's apartment. Virgo opened the door for them. They all go inside into Lucy's room, she still sleeping. Virgo talks to her distancing themselves from the exceeds. She explains the situation on her and asks her if she can also check on her other bruises. The girl nods at the maid and goes to her bed.

Using her magic, she closes her eyes to concentrate as her hands are hovering in the air, scanning her entire body. A mild concussion in the head, a broken shoulder, an injured tissues and collected bloods might be contusions. That's it, nothing that she can't heal. The major one is her shoulder which can't be treated in one sitting. But, as she is scanning her, she is remembering the last mission that the girl has been to. Isn't it with Team Natsu just days ago? It's a fairly easy mission to be honest and did not involve a lot of fighting.

When she finishes scanning, she releases her magic onto Lucy to relieve her with her fever. The fever might be the result of her physical injuries and physical exhaustion.

"Ahmm, Virgo-san, can I take a look at Lucy's body? I just want to see the extent and on how I am going to treat the contusions," she said politely to the maid. The maid did not respond and just looks at them blankly, but she can feel the hesitation as she is looking at the two exceeds hovering just beside her. As she did not respond, she moves to unbutton Lucy's shirt, but Virgo immediately moves close to the exceeds.

"Please excuse us then," Virgo said as she picks up both of the exceeds, heading to the kitchen. "I will make you some breakfast and desserts. Please help me Carla-sama, Happy-sama." The two exceeds protested and wiggled at the maid's hold.

Meanwhile, Wendy gasped as she saw her state. As per her assessment, the bruises are fairly new; a few days' old might be a day to three days based on the discoloration of the skin, mix of purple, blue and black. There are small and large bruises decorating her skin in odd places and few scratches. She starts treating the bruises to tear down the collected bloods; the discoloration will not go away instantly but her magic will soothe the pain, and it will aid on fast regeneration. She notices and touches her wrists as she traces the marks there.

Then she works her magic on the concussion on her frontal lobe. She feels a light bump just at the top of her forehead but it is barely noticeable. This one is easier but tricky since she just needs to concentrate on one part, unlike her bruises, but she needs to be extra careful as she is working on her brain. She needs to observe for any symptoms and effects later just to make sure.

Next up is her shoulder. She takes a deep breath and wipes the sweat that formed on her forehead as she is getting a bit tired now. She did not realize that this would take up a lot of her magic. She needs to speak to Lucy when she wakes up as her shoulder needs at least a couple of sessions to completely mend. So this might be the cause of her fever, a strain in her muscles and dislocated shoulders. She also soothes her right arm as she sees her face twitches in pain when she moves it a little.

Once done, she fixes her clothes back in place and stares at the sleeping girl and leaves her to rest. She has relieved her from the pain for now.

She walks to where the three were headed earlier and saw the two exceeds are put in chains; both ends are with Virgo's cufflinks.

"Wendy, thank goodness you are finished. Virgo is scary, she won't let us go until you're done treating Lucy," Happy said joyfully as he flies to Wendy but is stopped with his binding.

"Why did you take so long? I thought she only has a fever," Carla said while sipping on her tea.

The girl did not answer but slumped down on the seat in exhaustion. "I am tired."

"Here Wendy-sama, please have some tea and cake. Thank you for taking care of Hime," Virgo places the food in front of the girl.

"Thank you Virgo-san," the girl happily eats the offered food.

They all get startled when all of a sudden a familiar voice speaks.

"You did not tell us that there is a gathering here. And is that a cake?" Erza said as her eyes sparkle looking at the food.

"Hai please take a seat and have some," Virgo serves the two newcomers. "I must also take my leave as my time is up. Nii-san will be here with you at the moment," and without waiting for their reply she disappeared to the spirit world.

"Hey guys, wow the gang is all here. Where is Natsu? Hey Gray," Loke appeared in place of Virgo and greeted his long-time friend Gray.

"Hey, Loke. We are just checking up on Lucy," Gray said. Actually he just stumbles upon Erza on his way here, whereas the girl is going to Lucy's apartment too. He just noticed that the presence of the blonde is getting pretty scarce in the guild. She also disappeared last night without saying goodbye to anyone so he is a bit disturbed. As for Erza, he doesn't know what her intention is. And he was shocked when he saw Wendy, Happy and Carla lounging at her living room when they arrived.

"Well I heard from Virgo that she has a fever earlier but nothing too serious. Right, Wendy?" Loke said as he turns her attention to Wendy.

"H-hai," she nodded as her confirmation. She knows that look and Virgo's look earlier. They do not want her to talk about something that she saw earlier. But why?

"You can all go back to the guild now so she can get her full rest," Loke is shoving them out the door now.

"What?! We just came and we haven't seen her yet," Gray refuses to go.

"She is still sleeping now Gray-san. Let's leave her to rest. I have treated her fever already so she will be okay later," Wendy uttered.

"Why are you excited to throw us out? You are not thinking of doing something funny, aren't you Loke?" Erza said, a bit suspicious with their friend.

"Ouch Erza, you know I am a perfect gentleman." Loke answered her while scratching his head.

The group reluctantly left her apartment. Loke goes back inside to check on the girl. Loke looks at her with his sad eyes and he too returns back to the spirit world.

…..

Natsu wakes up pretty late and he can hear someone is moving around the house. "Happy, you're too noisy," he says, still sleepy. He twists and turns in his hammock but he falls, awaking him fully. "Ow!" he exclaimed from pain on the impact of his fall.

"Ohayou Natsu," he saw Lisanna's smiling face looking at him upside-down.

"Ohayou Lisanna. What are you doing here?" he said, standing up. He notices that his house is clean and spotless just like when Lucy cleaned his house before. It looks nice and tidy. "Did you do this Lisanna?"

"Hai. I am here since earlier and I got bored waiting for you to wake up," she said as she reaches for the basket and takes out the sandwiches that she brought with her. "Come, I brought you breakfast, though it's pretty late already. Do you want some coffee?" she asked but started pouring him the coffee.

"Wow, thanks Lis," he happily eats the food. He looks around seeing Happy is not in the house. "Did you see Happy in the house Lisanna?"

"No. He is not here when I came."

"Oh he might have gone off to guild without me then. Why are you here Lis? Are you not needed in the bar?" he asked her curiously.

"Today is my off from the bar so I am hoping that we can go out on a date," she said while watching him eat.

"Oh," Natsu muttered. What does someone do in a date? "Hey Lis, what are we gonna do in a date?" he said shyly.

"Aww. You're so cute Natsu. Leave it to me then. We'll just go on our lunch date," she said. Then she explains to him what would someone do in a date and why would a couple go on a date.

In Natsu's mind, it's pretty much the same on what he normally does with his team or with Lucy and Happy. Eat and talk together. Or eat and go somewhere else together. Or eat and do something fun together. So basically it always involves eating. He likes it then.

…..

"Yo Fairy Tail!" Bacchus greeted the guild happily. "If it isn't my doll and my man in Fairy Tail," the man said excitedly, hugging Cana and Elfman in both of his arms.

"Wild - ," he shouted.

"Four," Cana answered sweatdropping at the guy.

"Man!" While Elfman shouted excitedly in return.

The man ordered alcohol from Mirajane and so their drinking sessions started.

…..

When the group returns to the guild, they saw Bacchus noisily drinking with Cana and Elfman.

"Hey Bacchus," Erza uttered as her group approach the table where Bacchus was seated.

"Hey guys, come join us."

"No we're good," and they moved at a nearby table, leaving the drinking mages alone.

Moments later, when Bacchus remembered the purpose of his visit, he moves to sit with Erza's group.

"Hey guys," he greeted the group. "I haven't seen Natsu with you."

"The fire freak is not yet here. Why?" it was Gray who answered him.

"I just want to check if he is still alive," then the guy laughed maniacally as if he told a very good joke.

The group just looks at him not getting his humor.

Bacchus clears his throat and gets serious. "Seriously, I want to check if he is well."

Erza's eyebrow rose at his statement. "Well he is fine. Is there any reason not to be?"

"If that is the case, I don't have anything to worry about," Bacchus said as he is making his move to leave the guild.

"Wait Bacchus, what do you mean by that?" Erza is getting curious on why is the man looking for Natsu.

"Well you see…," Bacchus stays and relays to the group about his mission.

"Now I understand why," Then it was Erza's turns to tell him the situation of Natsu.

….

They have gone in a picnic near Magnolia South Gate Park overlooking a river. They just finished the food prepared by Lisanna while both of them are lying on the blanket looking at the clear blue skies. The weather is nice, it is not too hot on their skin and the sun is not blinding on their eyes.

Natsu is so full that he is rubbing his bloated stomach. "That was a good meal Lisanna. Thank you!"

"I am happy that you like it," Lisanna said. She moves closer near Natsu's body and lays her head on his outstretched arm. She moves to her side and wraps her arm around Natsu's waist.

Natsu is shocked by her action, but he did not make a move. "I am happy just spending the time with you like this Natsu," Lisanna said while breathing the scent of her boyfriend while closing her eyes.

He moves to face her; he gently clipped few strands of her hair that falls on her face. "Lisanna," he said calling her.

Lisanna opens her eyes, meets his gaze, and then she smiles. She moves to kiss the furrow in his brows. "Don't give me that look Natsu," she said chuckling. She smoothened the crease on his brow with her free hand. He eases his expression to a gentle one.

Then she moves to give his nose a peck. Then a peck on his lips. She loves this boy so much.

They are both blushing while staring at each other. As if hypnotized, he angled his head and kissed Lisanna. The kiss started gently, he feels she is kissing him back, a bit awkward for their first real kiss actually. Then their lips separated and they both laugh at each other. They move their bodies to sit up

Their lips meet again, learning from each other's kisses, this time they move confidently. They close their eyes and they move on instinct, feeling each other's kisses. The kiss deepens; from the gentle one it becomes more passionate.

'No! Stop it Natsu! Please,' the girl is screaming, begging him to stop. Tears were flowing from her eyes while her face was contorted with fear.'

He recoiled at the scene that briefly flashed through him and then pushed Lisanna away. His face and eyes reflect fear and shock; whilst he is frozen where he is seated.

"Natsu? What's the matter?" she asked worriedly seeing the look in her boyfriend's face. "Are you okay?"

"Y-yes. I-I'm sorry," he hurriedly stands up. "Let's go back to the guild now."

Lisanna is confused why he suddenly acted like he is frightened of something but she did not speak and just nodded in agreement.

At their way back, Natsu is still very quiet. His face is very serious as he walks beside Lisanna.

Lisanna looks at her boyfriend and takes his hand, squeezing it gently. "Did I upset you Natsu?"

He glances her way and gives him a reassuring smile. "No Lis. Don't think like that," he said as he squeezed her palm in return. "I'm sorry Lisanna for ruining our date," he said apologetically.

"You did not ruin it. I enjoyed it. Let's do it again next time," she said smiling as she rubs his arm in a comforting manner.

They smiled at each other and walk to the guild in silence.

That disturbing feeling he feels every night is back again. And that scene earlier, it felt so real. Did it happen? Who is that girl? Why is she shouting his name? He cannot see his self in the scene but it looks like he is looking directly to the girl. The dream… The scene…. All he is getting are blurry images. Or is he getting a vision just like Carla? Is something about to happen?

…..

She wakes up feeling refreshed after noon. Her earlier fever was gone while her body that has been sore since a few days ago feels a little bit lighter now. 'Nothing beats a good rest.' She took her shower and she was now seated at her table intending to continue writing her novel, but nothing. She cannot concentrate at all. She bites the end of her pen and stares at her ceiling. She sighed when no words came out.

Then Virgo popped out again for the second time that day. She notices that her spirit has been going out of her own a lot of time and she can't help but think that her spirit is feeling guilty. "Do you need anything Hime-sama?"

"No Virgo. You don't need to check on me but thank you for your concern. I am just fine," she said reassuring her spirit.

She feels that Virgo wants to say something more but she just bowed at her and disappeared at instant.

'What to do now? It seems like I cannot write anything at all. Should I go to the guild?' Then she remembers that she plans to visit her parents' grave. 'Well, guess I'll tell them that I will be going tomorrow or else they will be hunting me again when I disappear.'

So she decides to drop by to the guild, just to talk to them and makes some shopping afterwards to prepare for her journey.

When all was set, she heard her doorbell rings. She hurriedly opened the door wondering who it might be.

"Laxus?"

"Good afternoon to you too," he said greeting her. He looks at her form. She seems well today and looks like she is about to go out.

"Good afternoon. What are you doing here?" she looks puzzled as she does not expect him to be in her apartment.

He did not answer and just shrugged his shoulder then he heard her stomach grumbling loudly. "Have you had your lunch?"

She shakes her head no, embarrassed that the guy heard her stomach. "I forgot about it."

His brows furrowed. "It is not something to forget about."

"Well I don't really feel hungry," she retorted.

"Well your body says otherwise," he said pointing out to her stomach. When she did not say anything, he continued. "Have you not been eating properly?"

She actually forgot about food. And come to think of it, the last time she had was at the guild and she offered it to Happy.

"Lock your apartment. Let's grab a late lunch together."

…

They are seated in a very nice spot in the restaurant. When she suggested that they can just grab lunch at the guild, Laxus dragged her to some restaurant, not letting her hand go. He said he wants a change of view so they ended up here. She has never been here as it's quite too far from the guild and never knew some place like this existed.

They are in the balcony with a very nice view, the lake is just overlooking below with a few rented boats passing back and forth with happy couples in it. It is actually a perfect dating spot for couples. But there are other patrons too, with family and with friends. The ambiance is nice from the inside but the back side which is where the balcony is so much refreshing. The food is also exquisite and the servers are really friendly.

"Are you one of those girls that are so concerned with their figures that they tend to starve their selves," he said to her when he noticed that she did not eat much.

"I just don't have the appetite for food now. But yeah, I also look out for my figure but not to the point of starving myself. I am not even successful on dieting."

"I don't see any problem with you that you need to limit your food," seeing how great her figure is. He acknowledges that she is one of the hottest girls in the guild.

"Hmm, it's just that maybe I am getting a little self-conscious because Happy is always pointing out that I am getting heavier whenever he carries me. And I think there is nothing wrong in dieting, I tend to eat healthy food too not just for my figure but also to be healthy."

"That's true, but have a proper meal at least. We, mages, are often engaged in physical activities so we tend to burn it off faster." He further lectured her with it which she just listened to.

"Aye Father," she gives salute while imitating Happy.

"Don't aye me and don't call me father. I am serious," Laxus said.

She leaned on the table and cupped her face on her palms then nods and smiles at him. "Okay Mr. Serious."

"Don't give me that cute face. It ain't gonna work. Eat more and we still have desserts," he said while calling for the waiter to serve their desserts.

"I will just take the dessert then. I don't really have appetite for food. It feels like something is going on with my stomach. I'll throw up if I eat more," she said begging her way out. So she eats her chocolate sundae, she licks her lips for some spatter of chocolate.

"Okay fine," he grumbled, finally giving up. He smirked and ruffled her hair. "You're lucky you are cute."

She just pouted as she straightens her hair out. "By the way, you did not answer me earlier. Why did you go to my house? Do you need anything?"

"I wanted to ask you on a date that is why," he said playfully at her.

She rolled her eyes. She is actually getting to know Laxus more now and she did not know that he is a big flirt. A bit playful. Or is it his way to make her comfortable around him? Even though she is getting used to his teasing, she still can't help but to blush a little. "Shut up Laxus. Just answer my question."

"You know, do not make that face to any guy," he said getting serious. She just looks at him dumbfounded. "If I don't know you any better, I will think that you are flirting with me," he continued.

"Excuse me!" she said in a higher tone, horrified and flustered with what he uttered. 'What the heck? He is the one who's been flirting with me.'

"Relax. I know you are not. Just the way you are getting all worked up I know that you are not used to guys flirting at you. Just an unsolicited advice, you must guard this," he said pointing at his heart, "for men are vultures by nature. I know you know what I mean." She understands what he is trying to say so she nods her head.

"But what is wrong with my face?" she inquired about his earlier statement.

Laxus laughs at her. "It is quite seductive." She rolled her eyes again. 'Here we are again.' So Laxus laughs more.

"No seriously. You are irresistible…."

'C'mon nothing is serious with this guy' she added in her thoughts.

"… a guy can easily like you or might fall in love with you just by your actions. It is either he breaks you or you break him. The way you blush, you look so innocent yet alluring. When you pout and roll your eyes, you look so cute…" he paused, 'you look so tempting that I wanna kiss that pout off your face,' he added on his thoughts.

"….Do not bite or lick your lips in front of a guy; that is just asking for so much trouble." Her heart hammered on her chest. This guy is a smooth talker. Is this part of do not fall with the vulture lecture?

"H-ha h-ha, I-I got the message Mr. Vulture," she stuttered. She unconsciously bites her slightly quivering lips and reaches out for the glass of water. He leans over, very close to her face. "What did I just tell you?" He directed his gaze to her lips then back to her eyes.

She gulps at their closeness, his stares are smoldering, and her lips feel so dry that she dampened it and that is the instant that the man's gaze turned to her lips.

When she did not answer, he continued, "Do not cause any trouble." Their faces are so near, too close, so close for kissing but he pinched her nose instead. He straightened back to his seats smiling at her smugly.

The glass slips from her hold and shatters at the table. In panic, the girl instantly grabs for the tissue to wipe the spilled water. She apologized with the waiter who came to their table when he heard something breaks.

'Guess I will stop teasing her for now.' What he is doing is a double edged sword. He was very close from kissing Lucy. The woman is a temptress whether she is doing it consciously or unconsciously.

He just wanted her to be comfortable with him so he kept teasing her. But he guessed it comes off naturally, he is attracted to her. Who wouldn't? She is really gorgeous. 'I guess I am one of those vultures too.'

"That is the truth. Any guy would want you, just be very careful. You're too pure to pl-."

"I am not," she blurted cutting him off. "Not anymore. And no one would like me anymore. But thank you for your concern."

"I don't know that you think so lowly of yourself."

"If I am the Lucy before, I will be so flattered. I was oozing with over self-confidence back then."

He reached out for her hands and enveloped it with his. "You before or now don't matter; it does not make you less as a person. It shows that you are growing if you can see your flaw before. Just don't let bad experiences dampen your spirit."

They were interrupted when all of a sudden somebody shouted at their side, "Cool! Cool! Cool! Long time no see my dear Lucy."

"Hey Jason!" she exclaimed, acknowledging his old boss.

"Are you on a date?" and he turned to look at the man opposite Lucy. "The mighty Laxus Dreyar of Fairy Tail?! Cool!"

Then they heard camera clicking coming from the girl beside Jason.

"Oh by the way, this is my new apprentice Barbara," then he turned to look at the girl. "And I bet you know them, our favorite thunder and celestial mages of Fairy Tail, Mr. Laxus Dreyar and Ms. Lucy Heartfilia."

"I am your biggest fan Laxus-sama. You're so sexy. Cool! Cool! Cool! And you are so gorgeous yourself my lady." Both mages sweat dropped at the girl. 'Another weird one.'

They both greeted the girl.

Jason coughed looking at Lucy then to Laxus, then looking at both of their hands in which Laxus is still holding her hands. Unfazed, he squeezed it gently before releasing it. He crossed his arms at his chest and straightened his posture.

"Hehe, i-it's n-not what it looks like Jason," she fidgeted on her seat. 'I hope we shared a deep bond before for this not to make in the gossip column of the magazine.'

"I know my dear," he secretly winked at her for which she sighed in relief. "We will be having our table inside. See you later. Laxus is so COOL!" He said excitedly while walking away.

Laxus finally speaks when they are alone once again. "Are you heading back to the guild with me? Or do you have any plans?"

"Oh yes I will just drop by to talk to my teammates then maybe I'll go some shopping, look for some things that I might be needed."

'Should I tell him that I am planning on a trip away from the guild?' But she did otherwise. What's in it for him?

…..

They are walking leisurely back to the guild just having a small talk.

"Oh I wanted to ask that magic of yours, is it like teleportation magic?" she asked him curiously, referring to when they travelled from the guild to her house through lightning.

"In a way, but I can only do it to the place that I've been to so it is limited and it consumes a great deal amount of magic so I am not using it frequently."

"Oh I see."

"Lucy! Laxus!" Lisanna shouted excitedly at them. She is coming from the opposite direction together with Natsu in her arms. The four of them are now standing outside the guild's entrance.

"Hi Lisanna," she said greeting the girl in front of them. "Natsu," acknowledging him and he just nodded at her.

His brows furrowed and he scowled at the sight of the two mages.

Unbeknownst to the budding tension between them, Lisanna asked the other two mages in a teasing manner. "Why are you two together?" Her eyes are glittering, it says like 'I can't wait to tell this to Mira-nee.'

'So it runs in the blood,' Lucy thought.

"We went on a date. So why are you two together?" It was Laxus who answered her nonchalantly.

"I-it's n-nothing like that Lisanna," Lucy said waving her hands in front of Lisanna. "Tell her Laxus."

"Isn't it?" he looks at her with feigned innocence. Then he notices a seething Natsu, scowling at him and his fist is dangerously clenched at his sides. 'That is interesting,' he thought, noting how the boy is acting right now.

"Stop it. She'll get an idea and she will tell it to Mira. And rumors and gossips will spread immediately," Lucy is scolding the man.

He shrugged his shoulder not caring a bit. "I don't care about the gossip if it is not true. So?" he turned his attention to the younger Strauss.

"Yay, Laxus is all for fun." Lisanna squealed with delight. "But haven't you heard of the news yet?" Lisanna is referring to his earlier query. Laxus eyebrow rose and then the guild door opened and Bacchus gets out of the guild.

"Wild! Natsu bro you are fine," Bacchus puts his arm around Natsu's neck as if hugging him; obviously the man is already drunk at this time of the day. "I heard the news that you already have a girlfriend. That is sick bro!" Bacchus let him go then looked at the other mages. Bacchus made a gesture to fist bump Laxus as his greeting, for which the latter uneagerly responded. Then he looked back at the trio, to Lisanna, Natsu and Lucy, noticing that the silver haired girl is clinging at Natsu's arm.

"Oh so it is baby doll here," he said enlightened. He thought the girlfriend is the blonde bombshell that Natsu is always together with but it is Elfman's sister. Natsu just nodded at him as his confirmation.

He laughs maniacally. "In that case, Barbie here is free." Without warning, he cupped her chin and lifted her face to meet his gaze. "What do you say? We go somewhere else to drink Barbie?" He grabbed her by the shoulder and walked away from the group, tugging the girl with him, without waiting for her reply. She whimpered and caught her shoulder in pain. It did not go unnoticed to the man, he peeked at the girl beside him whose face is contorted in pain and so he moved his gripped on her waist.

He lifted his free arm to bid them goodbye. "I will be borrowing this one for a while –."

On an instant, Natsu grabs her arm and pulls her away from the man. He stands protectively in front of her while still holding the girl from behind. "You are not taking Lucy anywhere," he hissed at the man. This guy in front of him is bad news. He dragged him before to some unknown pub and that's when his dreams started. The guy is always present in his dream every night.

Lisanna stares at the hands of Natsu holding Lucy. Lucy's arm is trembling while the other one is clutching her shoulder and she looks like in great pain. "Natsu," she called on her boyfriend.

"Easy there buddy. I think she is injur - . Ahhh," Bacchus was not able to finish his sentence when bolts of lightning sent his way knocking him out instantly.

Natsu huffs and kicks the guild door open and drags her along inside while Lisanna and Laxus followed suit. Everyone in the guild has curious faces as they heard thunders just before the four entered the guild.

She tugged at his shirt and uttered in a low voice, "Natsu please let go. You are hurting me." Cold sweats are forming on her face.

He stares at Lucy then to his hand holding her arm tightly. He looks at her wrist and slides the sleeves up and gasps. He saw it before but seeing it again in clear light is much different. He lets go of her arm as if he gets burnt by touching her and she immediately puts down her sleeve.

Then suddenly, he drops down to his knees as he trembles. He clutches his stomach as he feels nauseous. Cold sweats are already forming on his forehead. 'Let go please. You are hurting me. Natsu wake up, this is not you!' That vision again! He tried to focus his breathing to ease the funny sensation on his stomach, this sense of dread he is feeling is getting worst.

"Natsu, are you okay?" Lucy said worriedly when the boy becomes pale and looks like he is about to pass out. Some mages crowded at him, worried at the boy.

When he feels that the knot on his stomach is gone, he roars furiously. He stands up and was about to run off the guild to get Bacchus. "Bacchus!" he shouted. 'You bastard, what did you to me?' He wants an answer and it seems that the guy may have a connection with it all. He doesn't understand why he is seeing images, but it bothers him a lot. It is like he is about to go mad not unless it stops to haunt him.

He tumbled down before he could exit the guild door as Laxus lightning has knocked him out completely. That's two KO's for the day. Everyone was shocked at his action.

"Hey why did you do that for?" It was Gray who recovered immediately from shock.

"Just help him. Can't you see? He is about to go berserk so I need to calm him down," he motioned Jet and Droy to carry the boy to the infirmary. Lisanna and Wendy tail before them.

No one complained anymore. Seeing the look on Natsu's face earlier is scary. He is screaming bloody murder; his look is totally different from when he is challenging someone to a fight.

Laxus turned into still cold Lucy and catch her left arm gently. He guided her into a vacant table. All the other mages were left dumbfounded; not really understanding what is all the commotion about.

"So what else are you hiding?" His eyes look so serious when he asks her.

"What do you mean?" She was in a cold sweat once again.

"That shoulder," he said pointing to her right shoulder.

"You saw me that night –."

"We let your maid clean and dress you up. But if you want me to take a look, I will gladly oblige," she can't say if he is playing again at her as his eyes are so serious. "Plus, a broken bone cannot be seen physically especially when the person is good at hiding it. If Bacchus did not tell you're injured, I will not be able to notice your pain. Why do you like to suffer so much?" he continued scolding her.

"It's not like that. I just did not think it's necessary. I thought it will just go away eventually. And I have a healing cream given by Virgo." She tried to reason out to him.

"It will not go away Lucy. It needs to heal with proper treatment. I will call Wendy for you then make sure to visit Porlyusica or Magnolia Hospital." She just nodded and accepted his scolding like a good girl.

"Anything else?" he is still sporting a frown on his face. She just shakes her head no. So he patted her head gently and finally eased his expression while looking at her before leaving to get the younger dragon slayer.

…..

"Let go of me this instant Gray," Erza commanded as Gray is holding her by her arm.

"Just don't go there yet. Can't you see they look like discussing some serious matters? Would you like to be interrupted if it was you?" Gray pointing to the two blonde mages seated at the corner while he is holding Happy's tail as the cat is about to go fly again to Lucy.

"Okay fine. Just let go." Her brow twitches. And then they saw Laxus acting to leave Lucy alone.

"Did you see Gray? He grabbed her by the hair," it was Erza.

"Looks like he patted her head?" Gray uttered mouth agape.

"Yeah, he petted her," Happy snickered and rolled his tongue. "He likes her."

…..

"No Freed. I forbid you to follow him," Evergreen said looking at the guy threateningly.

"But Laxus is there and he is talking to Lucy," he said ignoring his two friends.

"He is speaking with Cosplayer and it looks serious man. Look at his eyes." Bickslow comes to Evergreen's rescue.

Freed stops on his tracks and watches closely. Then he saw it. Laxus was looking at Lucy affectionately. He looks at his other friends and he knows that they saw it too. Their mouths are wide open and they are totally in shock. 'What is going on? But he never shows interests to her before. It is just so weird and it does not make any sense.'

He looks around and he sees other mages whispering at each other, he is pretty sure they are gossiping about the two now. The two together is a very odd sight and their actions are odder.

Meanwhile…

When Lisanna assures that his boyfriend is okay at the infirmary, she went down to have a chat with her sister. She told her sister all about what happened earlier. As they were chatting, the guild gets unusually quiet. When they look around, everyone's eyes are trained to the two talking blonde mages.

"See I told you Mira-nee, there is something going on with them," Lisanna whispered at her sister. They are both looking at the scene before them. Mirajane smiled brightly at her. She is glad that Laxus is warming up with their nakamas now. 'And if this is a budding romance, I will make sure it will bloom,' as she thought, her sweet smile was replaced with an evil grin. Lisanna glanced at her sister and just sweatdrop at the demonic aura that her sister is emitting.

…

He went to his teammates after he called for Wendy to go check on Lucy. The looks they are giving him are pure shock. "What?" he asks irritably.

"Nothing!" The trio answered, they are scared to ask more. But it was Freed who was too bothered that he can't help not to talk about it. "You are being too affectionate."

"Who cares?" he frowned at them and put on his sound pod and close his eyes. The trio just looks at each other and they sigh in surrender. They know that Laxus won't discuss about it anymore as he was not interested on the subject. He just gives them an answer like neither accepting nor denying the matter.

He knows that he just ignored them. Well his business is his business. He can't see anything wrong with his actions. He is free to talk to anyone if he wants to, so they shouldn't get so worked up about it. He is not only referring to his teammates but to everyone else as he knows they are making their own speculations right now.

What is wrong with talking to Lucy? They are all nakamas in the guild.

She thought about the girl and so his frown eases. She has that effect on him. She can make him calm on an instant.

He flirts at her to make her blush. He teases and annoys her just to see her gets all worked up. She has full of spirits when she does. If he is kind and gentle, she gives him a smile, and that smile warms his heart. He likes how she reacts on the things that he does and he wants to see more of it; wants to know what more reactions he can get from her.

When he was scolding her earlier, she was like a small child silently accepting that her behavior was not right so she chose not to answer back. He wanted to scold her more but the precious little one looks so defeated that all he wanted to do is envelope her in a hug.

He knows he is really getting soft with Lucy but he can't help it. He feels like Lucy is like a precious little thing that he needed to protect from this world. He can't understand it himself. Maybe it is only pity because he knows about her situation. Maybe he just wanted to do some good deeds to prove that he is totally a changed man; and fortunately for him, he knows her dirty little secret and that makes her a willing participant on that deed. That sure sounded villainous. Or maybe he is just clueless at all.

For whatever reasons, no one can question his actions. He is not harming the girl. No one, and not even himself, can harm the girl again on his watch.

'Shit, is he smiling?' Bickslow saw the look on Laxus face while the man is absorbed in his own world. He takes a peek at the other two and that confirms what he saw. 'They saw it too.'

….

"Lucy-san, how are you now?" Wendy greeted her as she approached her table.

"I am just fine Wendy," she smiled at the younger girl. The girl goes in front of her and works her magic on her shoulder all the way down to her arm.

'How did she know where to heal me? Did Laxus already tell her?' she wonders, as the girl's movements are so certain.

"How did you get this injury Lucy-san?" the girl inquired while working her magic on her.

"I-I s-slipped. in the bathroom. I am just too careless," she said laughing while the girl just stares at her. She cannot really read what the girl is thinking right now.

"And you hit your head too?" Wendy inquired more.

"Y-yeah?" she answered her in a questioning way. She feels something off about the way she asked her.

The girl did not respond and just continued on what she is doing.

'She is obviously lying,' Wendy thought. Her shoulder injury is rooted from her back all the way to her shoulder while the bump is in front of her head. 'Why would she lie to me?'

When she's done she feels her forehead, she feels her temperature is rising again. "Your fever is returning, do not stress yourself too much," so she works on some quick magic on her. "Just wait here, I'll be back," and the girl runs upstairs going inside the infirmary.

When she returned, she gave her some tablets for fever that she took from infirmary's medicine cabinet.

"Thank you Wendy. But how did you know about the fever?" she was confused.

"Oh we were there earlier at your apartment, Happy came rushing to the guild early in the morning. And I came to treat you," the girl said smiling at her.

"Thank you so much Wendy. I did not know."

"It's alright Lucy-san. Oh by the way, that shoulder injury of yours, we need several sessions for it to heal completely, if you want I can help you or would you rather go the hospital?. What I did right now is just to ease the pain. For your concussion, just watch out for possible effects, okay? Though I don't think it is fatal but I just want to make sure. And hopefully your bruises will clear fast, I'm sorry I cannot make it instantly disappear."

She was stunned as the girl continues to talk. She suddenly hugs the girl to show her gratitude. "You've done so much Wendy. Thank you." And the girl hugs her back and whispered to her. "It's our secret if you don't want others to know but I just don't understand why you are hiding it."

She is so grateful that the girl is so mature for her age. "I just don't want to make a big fuss over it. This is nothing."

"Hey Lucy, are you okay now?" the two mages separated at each other at the sound of Titania's voice.

"Yes," she answered in confusion.

"They have visited earlier after I treated you of your fever," Wendy answered in her rescue. "And her fever is actually returning so I healed her just now and gave her the medicines," Wendy explained to the other mages.

She sighed in relief, really thankful to the younger girl. "Oh by the way guys….," she remembered the purpose of her visit and so she tells them of her plan for the following days. She ensured them that she will be back in a couple of days and they need not worry on her.

"Can I and Natsu go with you Lucy?" Happy asks her excitedly.

"I plan to go alone Happy," she explains to the exceed, Happy's excitement died down at her response.

"Or if you don't want Natsu to come, then I can go with you. He will understand." Happy looks really dispirited right now.

"W-what do you mean?"

"I just feel like you two are not talking these past few days so maybe you don't want him to come. He is getting weird every day but you are getting weirder. Plus who will comfort you when you cry at night?" Happy said tactlessly. Her other teammates are looking at her and at Happy in puzzlement.

Then all of a sudden Happy flies away when he saw that Natsu is coming from the infirmary heading in their direction. "Natsu, Lucy is going away without us," he shouted at the boy to ask for help.

She panics when she saw him coming so she immediately stands up and leaves the group and walks out of the guild "I will be doing some shopping guys. See you!" she uttered as she scrambled away. 'Shit why did I run away when Natsu is coming? That will make them suspicious especially with what Happy said,' she thought chastising herself. She gets all too worked up when Happy started spouting some things earlier. She did not realize that the tiny cat is actually quite observant. She should have known as he was the source of gossips in the guild sometimes.

Erza, Gray, Wendy and Carla look at each other and stare at the retreating figure of Lucy.

Happy looks at the girl leaving and so he flies at the top of the table feeling devastated. His shoulder slumped and his head bowed. 'Did I say something wrong?' It just feels wrong.

"Happy," Carla goes beside the cat and she comforted him.

"Hey, she will be back soon Happy," Gray comforted the cat; it's a bit strange seeing Happy acts like that.

Happy nodded and he flew on top of Natsu's head and curled like a ball there.

"What's happening to you Happy?" Natsu asks in confusion and he reaches his head to pet his friend. Happy just curled some more and did not respond. Natsu looks at the others for which everyone looks all confused too.

They told Natsu the plan of their teammates to take a break for a while and she will be gone by tomorrow. His mood also dampened hearing the news. "I see," is all he can utter. They also get shock at his reaction; usually he and Happy will be planning, right there and then, on sneaking out to follow their partner.

"Are you okay Natsu-san? You seem not okay a while ago," Wendy asks him.

Natsu just nodded. And he saw Carla with the group and he really wanted to have a talk with her about his vision. But since everyone is present he did not dare ask her. 'Maybe some other time then.'

"I will head home for now. See you guys tomorrow," he looks so dejected as he walks out of the guild.

"Are they really okay?" Gray asks his other friends for which the others shake their head no as their answer to his question.

…..

"Are you okay Buddy?" Natsu asks Happy when they are outside the guild but he got no response.

"Do you want to go fishing?" Happy moves from his head and flies in front of his face.

"Natsu, are you and Lucy fighting?"

"Why do you say that?"

"I just feel like you are. We are not even hanging out with her anymore. I don't see you two talk. We don't sneak at her house. She will be leaving us behind. Ever since she joined, we are always together. I don't want you to fight. You're both my best friends," Happy's eyes are teary as he enumerated the reasons why.

"I think she has a problem Happy," Natsu sadly stated.

"So why don't we help her Natsu?"

"Because she doesn't want help. I have tried Happy. But she won't let me, she won't even tell me. She avoided me when I tried to help her so now she won't even talk to me," he casts his eyes on the ground.

"Then let's try again Natsu. Are you just going to give up like that? She was crying last night like she was really sad." Happy provokes the guy in front of him.

Natsu nods with renewed determination giving his cat a toothy grin. "Yes let's help her so she will not cry again."

"So are we going to follow her now?" Happy's mood instantly brightened. "Let's go Happy!" Natsu said determined. Thanks to Happy he can think clearly again, his hopes were actually crushing before that.

"No one's gonna follow her," Erza speaks at a commanding tone. Erza, Gray, Wendy and Carla get out of their hiding spot.

"Why are you all here? Are you following us?" Natsu and Happy shrieked. "And why not?"

"If what you just said is true then she's trying to solve it in the best way she knows. Let's not interrupt for the moment," Erza reasons out to them.

"But –," Natsu and Happy objected.

"No buts, I just said for the moment Natsu. It is clear she doesn't want you to be involved if she shuts you out after you tried to help her. Let's give her the space for the moment."

"Yes she will come to us eventually. She is Lucy after all," Gray agreed with Erza's reasoning.

"Fine. Let's go fishing now Happy," the two smiled mischievously.

"I am warning you Natsu. If I have to sleep in your house tonight so you can't sneak out, I will do it." Erza warned the two.

"Geez. Okay, we will not do it," the two said in surrender.

"Team Natsu will be going on our mission tomorrow so be at the guild in the morning." Erza said before dismissing all of them.

Wendy is just listening quietly with her friends but she feels something is not right with all of this.

…..

"Lily, look, Bunny girl's there. I will try to scare her," he said pointing at Lucy. They saw the girl walking slowly down the road while she looks like she's lost in thoughts.

"Oi Gajeel. Don't even dare," Lily warned him.

"Gihi," he just laughs and stalks the girl from behind.

He walks very quietly, and when he's near, he wraps his arm around the unsuspecting girl. "Bun - ," he was not able to finish when the girl shrieked from his hold.

She wriggled from her attacker's hold and she instantly grabbed Loke's key. "Loke!" she summoned her lion spirit without looking at her attacker.

"You called for me princ-," he was not able to finish his sentence when the girl suddenly grabbed hold of his tuxedo from his back and stand behind him. Her hand is shaking as she was clutching at his shirt.

"What is happening Lucy?" Loke said in confusion as it was only Gajeel who was standing in front of them. She is obviously trembling from fear.

She looked at his attacker. Relief washed over her face. "Don't just jump at me and scare me from behind. You idiot!" she is shouting now. Gajeel was shocked by her reaction. She punched the said man in the face.

The two men shared a knowing look.

Even she was shocked by her reaction. She has grown wary of her surroundings lately. So when someone suddenly jumped at her, she instantly called for Loke.

"You may go back now Loke, I'm sorry for calling you all of a sudden."

"Lucy," he is about to protest but she has forced his gate close and he disappeared in the spirit world.

"I told you it's not a good idea Gajeel," Lily reprimanded Gajeel.

Lucy takes a seat at the edge of canal just in front of her apartment, a bit shaken, she will herself to relax and stares at the setting sun.

"Can I sit beside you?" he asks for permission, afraid to startle the girl again. She took a glance at them and nodded. Gajeel takes a seat and Lily seats in the middle. She pets the head of the exceed and picks him up and place him at her lap. Lily blushed at her action. He is not used to be treated cutesy but he will let it slide for now.

"I am sorry Lucy," Gajeel started.

She looks at him and then she smiles while shaking her head no, "You have nothing to apologize for. It was I who acted on instinct."

They both focus on the setting sun in front of them.

For him, sunset is a promise of a new day with something to look forward to for tomorrow.

For her, sunset is beautiful yet melancholic; there is a sadness that comes along with a bittersweet ending. Somehow it brought a sense of nostalgia to her.

"Beautiful isn't it?" Lucy stated, not really a question. He takes a glimpse of her and he frowns when he sees her sorrowful eyes gazing at the setting sun.

"I never thought… I see that it is not easy to get over with," Gajeel said carefully selecting his words as Lily is with them, looking guiltily at her.

"Yes it seems like it. But in time, I know it will," she looked at him smiling and hopeful for that day to come.

"Lucy I hate to see you like this. You know I am just here, we are here for you. You can talk to us whenever you're ready," he said.

She did not answer and just stared at the orange skies above. 'What I wish is just to forget about it and don't talk about it ever again,' she thought.

Lily takes a look at the two, mesmerized by the exchange between the two of them. They have a connection that even if they don't talk much they understand each other even in silence. 'Is there something special going on between the two?'

"Say Gajeel, tell me something amazing," Lucy asked him cheerfully, obviously changing the topic.

"Idiot, don't you know that I cringe at your acting?" he said referring to her feigned cheerfulness now, and to her overly animated actions at the guild. He hit her on the top of her head with fist closed but he is not exactly hurting her.

"Huh? What do you mean?" she asked in confusion. "That hurts you know!" she added clutching the top of her head, shouting at him irritably.

"Just what exactly I mean," he just smirked at her, patting the top of her head and crumpling her hair.

"Sheesh! Well, whatever you say," she blows on the fallen strands in front of her face. "I am asking you about your date with Levy at the book café yesterday."

It is his turn to get flustered now. He turns all red; steam is coming at the top of his head.

"So I am right. Are you two together now?" she asked the man teasingly.

"Are you in a relationship with Levy, Gajeel?" Lily flies over and asked the man curiously.

"Tch! So annoying," he grumbled but nodded in confirmation. He is still so very red. Well it happened so suddenly when they went in that café and the next thing he knew he was beating up all the guys who were hitting up with the Shrimp. And everything is history.

Lucy squealed in excitement. "I know you two will come eventually."

Gajeel stands up, brushes the back of his pants and helps her stand up. "Yeah whatever. You go inside your apartment now."

"I am happy for the both of you Gajeel," she said smiling sincerely at him; they are now standing in front the door of her apartment building.

He returned her smile. But his happiness was short-lived as he remembered how she reacted to him earlier. The look in her eyes is so haunting it gives him chills. She is hardly getting by. He clenches his fist and seethes his teeth in anger for he doesn't know how to help her. "At least let me hunt the bastard," he grumbled under his breath. "So I can kill him," he added in a seething voice. He did not realize that he was voicing out his thoughts and the blonde girl in front of him heard it all. He was startled when she grabs his clenched fists and soothes it with her thumb.

"Hey ease that look. You are supposed to be happy in love. Do not let me dampen your mood or I will feel so guilty," she said giving him a smile.

"Geez, how can you be so selfless when you're - ."

"Smile scary Gajeel. My friends' happiness is my happiness. My friends' sorrow is my sorrow. So please share your happiness to me." She guided her index fingers at the either side of his lips and lifted it up to form a smile.

And he forced a smile on his face. "Hahaha that's better. Still scary though. Take care both of you," she bids them goodbye and enters the building.

'So theirs is like a brotherly-sisterly relationship, a special bond that the two share.' Lily thought. Guess that his friend is not bad after all based from what he heard before he joins the guild. He actually cares deeply for the two girls in the guild. 'A male tsundere,' he snickered at his thought.

"Gajeel, will you wipe off that look on your face, you look like a maniac standing here," he said referring to his smile still plastered on his face. Gajeel just shrugged trying to act cool and walk away.

…..

Somewhere nearby, a dark figure is lurking in the shadow smiling in triumph.

….

"Gajeel is there something going on with Lucy?" Lily inquired as they are now walking home.

"Why did you say that Lily?" he asked his exceed.

"Well for one you said to watch after her."

"I thought you don't care."

"Well I thought it was just nothing," Lily said. When Gajeel did not say anything, he continued, "I can see the way she's acting in the guild and just the way earlier, plus her conversation with Cobra intrigued me," Lily said.

Gajeel's brow rose. "What conversation with Cobra?" And so Lily detailed what exactly he heard from them.

…..