Reviews are Nice; The pairings are NOT decided yet. I get people like Vander/Lucy, I like them too, they're adorable when she's sassy and keeps up with him, but...I really don't know if they will get together or if it will be a friendship...or how far this darkness is going to go.

I don't own Fairy Tail. Mashima Does.

I don't own the Pradesh Clan. Desna does (and thank you for them).

I own the Storyline. That's it.

Alternate Title: That in Which Farron and Kaleb both work for the affection of the same person.

~)~)~)~)~)~)~

Cassiopeia was practically buzzing with happy energy as she sat in her palace. She clapped her hands and nodded when she realized the spell had worked and rubbed her hands together, "good, good."

The female spirit nodded to herself, "now...to find the right one for them both..." Her eyes narrowed, "And deal with that boy."

Andromeda frowned from where she was standing outside her mother's 'workroom' and pursed her lips a bit as she brought a hand up. She didn't like this at all, her mother had meddled too much in the past, trying to push who she thought was best with 'her' archangels together. It had been part of the reason that the chaos of the last known generation had happened, at least to her. Her mother could blame 'greedy humans' as much as she wanted, but...most of the archangels had been happy when they'd chosen a mate for love before the little compulsion was added to the magic, before her mother started playing and deciding who got to be with who.

These were still people, regardless of magic. They had hearts that had their own paths to follow, souls that were looking for just that right piece. To see her mother trying to essentially hammer two pieces of a puzzle together that didn't fit quite right...bothered her, but she couldn't do anything. She knew that it was likely that Cassiopeia's key would be found shortly.

Carefully and quietly, she slipped out of the palace, starting when she saw a silver man in the light. Andromeda gave a faint smile, "Byakko…"

"Princess," the feline grinned crookedly at her, "you look troubled."

"You're always trouble, cat," She chuckled softly and shook her head, "especially when it comes to seeing you out and about."

The Tiger spirit would not deny it and simply shrugged, "I'm worried...I felt...something happen here."

Andromeda pursed her lips, "...something...akin to what happened with...their father."

"Akin or just like it?"

"Akin, just…" She shrugged slightly, "she doesn't like the male celestial mage...it's...going to be a rough journey...especially now that...he's been hurt."

Byakko let out a snort and sighed, "right...wonderful..stay safe, hmm?"

She gave him a small nod and watched him stalk into the shadows. She knew he was already gone, but murmured, "stay safe, my mentor."

~)~)~)~)~)~

"...that woman meddled again," Byakko scowled a bit as he slowly lounged, arms behind his head.

"...did she physically meddle? Herself go there?" Shinryu scowled, "how bad is she trying to take the tapestry path that we want to go down?"

"No," Byakko sighed a bit and slumped in the pile of fabric he was curled in, rolling onto his side, "i've spoken with my fellow felines...they're not...too happy with her choices."

The 'dragon's eyes narrowed a bit, "What did she do."

"You know the mage close to the Star Maiden?" The silver haired man tilted his head, looking at the other.

The dragon nodded slightly, "Yes, an admirable choice. He can spot darkness in others, a fairly good mat...oh she fucking didn't." He sat up, glowering.

"She did," the tiger pursed his lips, "the other is...trying to fill the void...but...secrets have already been shared…he chose the man...on purpose...he chose the morning star without knowing any benefits offered, simply because of who he was...and..." he sighed, rolling onto his side and murmuring, "she's fucking with love again."

There was a hiss from Suzaku as the firebird slowly opened his eyes, "...she's messing with nature. Again?" he let out a soft sound, "didn't she learn with the last generation?"

Shinryu scowled, "no, because we had to step in to make sure that...after her meddling…"

"...and a really hot few nights," Byakko grinned, purring in delight.

The dragon rolled his eyes, "yes, yes, that was very, very erotic to see, cat." he snorted softly, "but...yes, she meddled then, nearly made it so that the woman wouldn't conceive…"

"We managed to fix it though, with the help of the Lady," Suzaku spoke softly, "but...she can't do this again. Nature knows the best compatibility…"

The three sat there and it was a long silence before Shinryu spoke, "So...what are we going to do?"

"Push the location of Genbu's key, he's the embodiment of wisdom, whatever...she did...should be nullified by his presence around the two…" Suzaku pursed his lips.

"They're closer to finding her key…"

All three looked at one another and let out small sounds before Shinryu spoke, "send someone, hide her key before she realizes it."

"Where?"

The dragon's lips curled into a sadistic smirk, "Peregrande." All three chuckled darkly as they sat there, they obviously didn't want the woman to get her claws in, yet again.

~)~)~)~

Hisui looked over a file as she sat in a small office in the dungeons under Mercurius, "well?"

"As you can see, we have two more coming...we are still one short, but…" The robe clad man spoke softly, "...we cannot go to stella, but we've...reached out to Peregrande to see if they could find any slaves of the sort."

Hisui's nose curled, "they'll be the next blight to be taken down by this weapon, right after Zeref."

"Yes, my Princess," The man bowed and when the woman didn't speak, moved out of the room.

The woman let out a low hum, "so close, so very close...hopefully we can find one by summer.."

~)~)~)~)~

Farron watched as Hestor stretched, glad that he took off time for the Holiday and smiled as he lay there, "leaving already?"

Hestor looked over his shoulder and chuckled, "is that an extended invitation, Farron?"

The Ambassador grinned as he lay there, "I wouldn't mind. It was relaxing." he paused, "we'll make breakfast and then talk."

Hestor watched the man for a moment and arched an eyebrow, "Talk? About what?"

"My mother was a Celestial Mage," He looked at the other man for a long moment. Slowly he rose, moving to grab his robe and carefully find one for the other man, "she had a habit of sleep talking when away from my father, but only when Zen and I were close...so I...used it to my advantage..."

"That's...dangerous," Hestor frowned slightly as he took the robe and slid into it, "one doesn't have control over what they say."

"Indeed," He stared hestor in the eyes, "...there's few matters of trust that would make someone bitter...You...started telling him Secrets."

Hestor paled, looking at Farron and then his legs gave out and he sat on the edge of the bed. Not knowing that the man looking at him could see the soul ingrained memories as they flashed through him. They had been good memories but now they held an almost bitter tone.

"I'm not asking you to share those secrets with me, Hestor…for now, my bed, while my brother decides...what his next move is.." Baby blue eyes looked into almost steel blue ones. "And perhaps give you someone to talk to." he smiled faintly, "I heard...what you learned at the games, about your family…"

Hestor sighed as he put his face in his hands, "it...is my mother's side, but...she never told me…" his voice trailed off.

Farron moved to reach out, gently running his hand through the silvery-blond hair of the other, "let's eat, then I can give you a shoulder to rest your head on while we sit outside in the rain."

Hestor snorted as he looked up at Farron, "it's not supposed to rain."

"One never knows, it may," Farron gave a small smile to Hestor, "Random rain showers happen this time of year. Rather common, something about the 'holiday blues' some people get…"

Hestor snorted, "I'd almost wager you're attempting to woo me, Farron."

The Ambassador gave the other a cheeky grin, "well...if my brother doesn't get his head out of his ass...he might lose his chance."

~)~)~)~

New Year's Eve brought the massive party to life in the guild hall of White Sea and Kaleb's eyes scanned over the crowd, watching to see who was where. Vander was enjoying himself while singing - not a shock - Lucy was dancing while Zen was leaning against the stage, watching to make sure she didn't get hurt. They seemed normal, for them anyway. He tilted his head a bit as he saw Presca and Juvia talking at the bar, the two having their heads close together to be heard over the music. Emi was dancing with Lucy as Gajeel played a guitar on stage. Farron wasn't there yet, so Beck was filling in on the drums. Speaking of his brother, he'd not truly gotten a chance to talk to Farron over the week since Christmas.

Part of him wanted answers, another part of him wanted to rip into his brother and that was the part that confused him. He didn't get it. He didn't understand the why and he took a breath as he shook his head. He didn't need to think on that. He needed to talk to Farron and find out…

Kaleb internally groaned as he realized that his trail of thought was centered on finding out what he and Hestor had been doing and if the man was safe and well. Well, of course he would, the Celestial mage was decent in a fight, but still had a long way to go...and nowhere close to himself...or even Farron. He'd seen FFarron a few times over the past week and each time, he was being given books by Hestor. That rankled him as he thought about it. Everything that was going on made him testier than normal and he needed to know why, but he refused to actually talk to Hestor about it...at least...semi-civilly. It seemed that he always felt a bit more of the sting and his tongue got sharper and every time, Farron would just scowl at him in a way that was very much the same disappointed look their father got on his face when they were children and had done something wrong.

That part almost made him angrier than anything. He knew Hestor could defend himself, but Farron always seemed to step in at just the instant that a bit of distress came from the Celestial mage. He took a few deep breaths to calm his nerves as he felt the feedback from his choker start and worked to relax himself.

Deep Breath in.

Deep Breath out.

Deep breath in.

Deep breath out.

Deep breath in…

Kaleb choked when the doors opened and Hestor and Farron walked in, laughing and talking animatedly. A fisted hand came up and he smacked his chest a few times to break the breath free. The calm he'd felt seemed to melt right away as he stood there, watching the two. There it was, that strange burning sensation in the back of his mind, the tightness of his chest and all he could see was anger. His fingers slowly curled around the railing he was leaning against as he let out a low growl.

Hestor's eyes snapped up and he stared at Kaleb for a moment, taking in the body language and he narrowed his own eyes at the man before turning back as he heard Farron talk.

"I'm going to go play the drums, you enjoy yourself?" Farron grinned at the Celestial mage, he could almost feel Kaleb's feelings fighting against his own stubbornness.

Hestor chuckled softly, "I'm going to go to the outside bar, relax under the stars."

Farron nodded as he stood there, hand moving up to lightly tuck a bit of the short hair back, "Alright, well enjoy your evening. I'll see you tomorrow for lunch?"

Hestor chuckled softly, "This is why you keep me around, to needle me for information."

Farron let out a loud laugh and shrugged, grinning at the other man before he moved towards the stage.

Kaleb didn't know what the two had said, but something was said that had made his brother laugh. His eyes trailed after Hestor, watching the man move towards the sparring rings and the outdoor area set up for the evening.

~)~)~)~)~)

Hestor wasn't sure how much he'd had to drink, but he had ingested enough that his mind was fuzzy and he was relaxing against the bar. He wasn't sure who the mage was that he was talking to, but he was an archive mage, not Lucy's favorite Andros, no, this one was taller, with a bit more muscle and red hair so dark it looked like dried blood.

He wasn't sure what the conversation he was having really was, but it he was sure it was something about the Equinoxes. It was really mindless chatter and he was glad for it, especially in the haze of alcohol. He laughed at something the man said with a cheeky grin, taking a moment to process it had actually been a joke and sipped his own drink again. The man leaned in, saying something that his mind just didn't really process, but between the alcohol and having a relaxing day talking, he simply nodded.

"That will be enough, Zeke."

Hestor's mood soured a bit when he heard Kaleb and narrowed his eyes. "Excuse me?"

Zeke pursed his lips, "Master Kaleb, we were just discussing…"

"I know what you were discussing, Zeke," The mindbender tapped his temple, "and I also know that Hestor isn't in a right enough mind to give consent to something of that nature."

Steel blue eyes narrowed as Hestor's mind tried to work through the alcohol, "who you are you to say I wouldn't?!" He jumped from his seat, intent on getting right in the blond's space but groaned as the world spun.

"I know your tastes well enough from our talks," Kaleb said firmly, casting a glance at the Archive Mage, hands moving out to steady Hestor. One eyebrow arched and the man huffed.

"I'll see you tomorrow, Hestor, maybe will discuss it again then." Kaleb's eyes didn't leave the red haired man, even has he made sure the Celestial mage was steady on his feet, until he was inside.

Hestor hissed softly, "That was uncalled for!"

"I'm protecting my mage," lavender eyes clashed with steel blue as he watched Hestor, easily feeling the heat his body generated due to the alcohol.

Hestor snorted as he looked away, "yes, guildmaster. " The title rolled off his tongue with bitterness, hurt and sarcasm. "I'm not weak, i'm not weak willed, I know I was asked to share pleasure," Hestor snarled up at the other man. It wasn't much of a height difference, a few inches, but it was enough that half slumped like he was, he had to look up, "So don't even think I don't know what I was consenting to."

"Joining Zeke and three others."

Hestor opened his mouth and shut it a few times before mumbling, "oh…" His mind still wasn't quite working, but he really didn't care. He brought his hands up and pushed away from Kaleb, "that is more of a sober thing." He turned, moving towards the guildhall, barely aware that Kaleb was following him.

"You need some water," The mindbender said from his side, "It will help."

Hestor let out a bitter laugh,"I know how to take care of myself." he half sneered at the other and then went back to looking straight ahead as the world spun.

"Really? Because it doesn't look like it," Kaleb shot back, scowling slightly as he walked with the other, half steering him towards the main bar. "it looks like you need someone to help you keep yourself out of trouble tonight."

Hestor got a look of incredulous shock on his features as he slowly turned his head and stared at Kaleb, " excuse me? "

Now that tone? That tone Kaleb knew and it threw ice water right on him. That was very similar to the one that Lucy used when they were in the middle of one of the arguments that had right before she blew up. He debated and made the other sit, motioning for water. He took a few breaths, despite his first instinct to snap at the mage, the second instinct of self preservation was creeping in.

Hestor turned on the stool, "are you trying to Damsel-fy me?"

Oh, the tone was still there and Kaleb's stomach dropped. Maybe the other being quite so drunk wasn't a good thing. It was the alcohol. It had to be the alcohol. He went to open his mouth and then both started at the sprig of mistletoe that appeared between them. Rather than talk, the guildmaster decided to just grab the other by the back of the neck and kiss him. He poured all that he could into the kiss: anger, frustration, all the pent up emotions that he didn't know he had.

Hestor fought a bit at first, letting out an angry sound at the lack of response to his question, but couldn't help but, yet again, simply melting into the kiss. After a moment, he let out a whimper and Kaleb could feel the pain radiating in the other's mind as he slowly pulled away. The Mindbender's tongue darted out and steel blue eyes flickered to look at the action. Before Kaleb could speak, Hestor did, "...stop toying with me." he pushed away from Kaleb and turned, "especially if you can't Trust me."

The pain in the man's voice alone was enough that Kaleb went still even as Hestor stood and walked away. He wanted to call out to Hestor, but he was stuck in place as he watched the man half stumble into the dancing crowd and push through. His chest ached even more watching the man walk away and he took a shuddering breath. As he sat and his eyes closed, a hand moving up a bit and then resting on the bar top.

Kaleb's breath caught again as he watched Farron spin on his drum stool as Hestor came up close. The two talking and he just knew his brother was using his magic to make it so they didn't have to yell. He narrowed his eyes as his brother hefted the celestial mage up onto the stage, Hestor chuckling as their heads leaned in close. He could still feel the pain from the other, it was hard to miss that feeling that radiated from the man and he was seriously confused as to why it made his own chest ache...and burn, especially when Farron and Hestor chuckled softly, despite the pain the Celestial mage was in.