Paper Moon

Chapter Twelve

Fairy Tail Guild

Fiore

Makarov and Gajeel sat on heavily repaired stools, both gripping large mugs. The guild master sipped slowly at his beer and dropped his head on the newly remodeled bar. It had been a long couple of weeks. He let out a loud sigh and turned his face towards the other mage. "Thank Mavis this is all over." Gajeel hummed in agreement and absentmindedly took a large gulp and stared at the wall. "I don't think the guild can handle much more of this." He probably couldn't handle much more either. Both the guild and Makarov were aged, they should be treated as such. Good luck telling that rowdy bunch of brats that.

Gajeel grunted in agreement. "Yeah, Erza really did a number on the old place." Makarov let out another long suffering sigh. It was rather quiet today, what with half the guild in the infirmary. Gajeel let out a low whistle. "I'm not sure if we're in the clear just yet."

"What makes you say that?" Erza and her team had left for a job, thank the heavens. There really wasn't anyone else who would wreck the place quite like she did. Gajeel seemed to be the bringer of bad news recently. Makarov made a note to force the iron slayer on a new job, the exceed too.

Gajeel took a long drink before he slammed his mug on the creaky bar. "Laxus is coming."

Makarov lifted his head and took another calm sip before spitting it out unceremoniously, spraying Gajeel in the face. "I'm sorry, I thought I heard you say Laxus was coming. He's in the middle of a job so there's no way." His ingrate of a grandson made it very clear that he was leaving for a while and would not return until he was good and ready. No one could hold a grudge quite like Laxus.

Gajeel wiped his face in disgust. "I guess he finished early." The iron dragonslayer shrugged his shoulders and sniffed at the air. Damn dragon slayers. There was a loud clap of thunder and flickering of the lights. Laxus was standing in the middle of the hall. Makarov raised his eyebrows. That's my grandson, dramatic as always. Let's hope he didn't find something else to be mad about.

Just smile and nod. "Laxus my boy, you're back!" the blond mage walked toward Makarov, an unreadable expression on his face. "What can I do for you?" Well he looks pissed. Maybe he found out about the time I had Mira water down his drinks for a week...

Laxus pulled out one of the stools and sat down on it, the chair squeaking in protest. Laxus placed a heavy arm on the bar and leaned into it. He simply stared at Makarov for an unmeasurable amount of time. It was slightly unnerving. Then finally, Laxus spoke, "have you seen Lucy lately?"

"Ah so this is what this is about. I was wondering what could have driven you back here." So now he wanted to talk, what about when Makarov had basically handed him the girl and he did a vanishing act? The little shit could wait, after all it was his fault the guild was destroyed anyways. "Mira, pass me another one and charge it to Laxus!" The boy had more than enough coin anyways.

"Are you gonna answer me or not? Cause I can just ask anyone else in the guild." Makarov decided to let him stew and remained silent. As if to prove his point, "Hey Cana!" The card mage looked up, irritation in her face. Cana didn't take kindly to being interrupted while drinking.

"What?"

"Have you seen Lucy?"

Cana scrunched her eyes in thought, "Oh yeah, she left on a job near Shirotsume. Something to do with a wedding? Or was it a birthday? You can ask Mira for more info." Laxus smiled triumphantly and put down some money on the counter.

"That's for the drinks, thanks Cana." Laxus turned on his heel, presumably to find Mirajane.

He couldn't just let him go like that. "Laxus, just what are you planning to do once you find Lucy?" His words had the desired effect, Laxus turned toward Makarov once more.

Laxus knew one of the old man's infamous lectures/speeches was coming on. Why couldn't his grandfather let him make things right? The geezer had a point though, Laxus had very little figured out plan-wise. "I simply won't allow you to bring any more harm on Lucy, she's been through enough." That's why I'm talking to her. The urge to roll his eyes was overwhelming but the old man's face was dead serious, almost stern. "Lucy is a good person, better than most, probably better than all of us. She more than anyone-"

"As much as I'd love to hear this to the end, I don't have a lot of time. I'm going to find Lucy and make things right." His grandfather stared at him, examining.

"What if she doesn't want to be found? What if you're too late?" This was a test obviously, Laxus could see that. It was Makarov's way of making sure Laxus was sincere. There was a small part of Laxus, however small, that held those same wriggling doubts. He had made up his mind and accepted any and all consequences.

"I have to try." There was more much more Laxus could have said. That would have to do.

Willow Creek

Okiwo Family Ballroom

Fiore

"Alright, so your jobs are rather simple. Impossible for even an idiot to ruin." The client, a small and distinguished man, Mr. Okiwo said with an air of superiority. He gestured dramatically behind him, to the row of mannequins.

"Never underestimate Natsu." Gray whispered to Lucy under his breath. Lucy couldn't help herself and giggled a little. Gray noticed and sent her a small smile in return. No matter what, Lucy couldn't stay mad at Gray, his heart was in the right place and he simply wanted her to be happy. It was a very backhanded way to do it, but nevertheless. She was starting to miss their easy friendship. There was a small choked noise to her left side, Natsu had evidently heard, although his rebuttal was denied by Erza's firm hold on his shoulder.

Mr. Okiwo glared at the small interruption. "As I was saying, these are your uniforms. You must have them on in order to receive payment." He handed each of them a sparkly sheer looking thing. The group pointedly stared at Gray, who in turn, nervously smiled. "I will assign you each to a separate job, no distractions. This is for my daughter's safety." The doors swung open dramatically, a tall girl strutted in. "Ah, just in time. Fairy Tail, I want you to meet my lovely daughter, Gloris."

She was a plain brunette, her arms crossed and face sour. She appeared not to hear her father or notice the wizards around her. "Father, there's no one to carry my dress! It's much too heavy for me and Loren won't do it! What's the point of being the bride if no one listens to you? Fix it."

Lucy didn't like her all that much.

Mr. Okiwo cleared his throat and spoke placating. "Gloris darling, these wizards from Fairy Tail are here to make it all better. Pick who you want, they'll listen." Gloris squealed and she quickly pointed at Lucy and Gray.

"You!" She said to Lucy a bit too harshly. "I want you to carry my bags and take them to the dressing room." Really? You want me to carry your bags? The whole situation seemed kind of degrading. "Now." Lucy frowned and moved towards the door, not used to being bossed around like this. Why hire wizards to do everyday duties? And from Fairy Tail no less. Gloris then pointed at Gray. "You, I want you to keep me company." Lucy could have sworn her gaze was rather lecherous. That's crazy, it's her wedding day... Oh well. Good luck Gray.

She almost felt bad for him when he visibly shivered, Gray liked the more discreet type.

Almost.

Her job was proving to be more annoy than Lucy thought. Once she changed into her uniform, any movement at all was difficult to achieve. It was very form fitting and sheer in a number of places. Places, that if Lucy moved in a particular way would reveal other parts. Who wants these for a wedding? They're so tacky! The bag was also rather heavy and Lucy couldn't help but wonder just how long the train on the dress was. This bride is sure acting like some kind of prima donna. Why did I get stuck on dress duty? Ugh, she probably couldn't handle my good looks... She wondered what Natsu and Erza got stuck doing, hopefully it wasn't as minuscule as her task.

Though she secretly wished they were, hey she was petty.

Lucy dragged the bag down the narrow hall, hoping to lightly damage the contents, rounded the corner, and into the dressing room. It was a large room with a seating area, dark curtains, enormous flower bouquets and by the looks of it, it was all expensive. The towels looked they cost more than Lucy's rent, each. She placed the dress down on the couch. To her surprise (and relief), Gloris was no where to be seen. "How odd. I hope Gray is okay."

"What's odd?" Her eyes widened immediately recognizing the voice, no. Her back tensed in reaction. There's no way. Lucy was almost scared of turning around to face him. Laxus was here. Yes, she had planned to talk to him, but after the job. Right now, she had nothing prepared, she had no idea what to say! She was supposed to practice on Virgo later... Lucy slowly turned and her eyes met gray ones. He was leaning against the now closed door, arms crossed. There was an easy smile on his face and Lucy felt the all too familiar blush on her cheeks.

How did he even find me? I bet it was one of those snitching traitors. "Laxus? What are you doing here?" Lucy hissed quietly. "I'm in the middle of a job!" She waved her hands at him. Surprise or not, it was extremely inconvenient; she wasn't going to let him ruin the job she was doing. Lucy needed the money more and she wanted to believe that but Laxus's stupidly beautiful smile was hard to resist and it didn't come out often.

The beauty of it was ruined by Laxus's obvious leer as he swept his eyes over her entire body, the dress left little to the imagination.

"Nice to see you too Lucy." Laxus teased, he pushed off the door and stepped closer to Lucy, unnerving her. He stopped short of touching her, his all-too familiar scent was intoxicating to Lucy. He slowly pushed a lock of hair behind her ear and Lucy was reminded of just how close he was to her.

"Laxus, what are you doing?" Lucy whispered.

He gave her a heart-melting grin before his hand reached out to grip Lucy's wrist and pulled her towards him. A wave of emotions crashed over her as her chest touched his and his head leaned down, intent well known. Her mind started to slip into a space of bliss and Lucy's lips parted slightly, forming a small 'o'. His hand traveled down her side and settled on her hip. What did I need to say to him again? There was an inch of space between the two. Concentrate, Lucy. Before his lips could press to hers, Lucy used her hand and pushed the lightning mage away from her. Laxus's eyes and mouth were open in surprise.

"Not so fast, you owe me some answers and when you look at me like that, I can't think." Lucy placed her hands on her hips and paced back and forth. Laxus dropped down defeated on the couch, no doubt not used to rejection. "Firstly, I think I deserve an apology." She glared when Laxus tried to interrupt. "I had no idea what was going on and you acted like an asshole. So apologize."

She was right. "I'm sorry." Laxus whispered. He knew he had a habit to overreact and he had the tendency to be a little melodramatic. Laxus just didn't know how to explain this all to Lucy, there weren't really any explanations for snubbing her and then avoiding the girl. "I really am sorry, I reacted badly and I know it's not enough but I hope you can forgive me." Laxus waited for her response, under all that bravado, he was a little worried she would slap him, and not in the good way.

Lucy nodded after what felt like eternity, she was the forgiving type and an apology is more than she got sometimes. "Secondly, everyone and their mother knows how I feel about you, you know how I feel about you. So my question is," Lucy took in a sharp breath, "how do you feel about me?" There, I laid it all out. I mean it wasn't the most graceful way to do this, but I did it anyways.

Laxus stared at her, unnerving Lucy with his silence. "Lucy, we made out on a couch."

Her cheeks redder than ever in her life, "I know that!" She tried to quell the adrenaline spike. "Sometimes that doesn't mean anything..." Lucy stood stiller, trying to squash the insecurity she felt; her hands loosely balled by her sides. Laxus stood up from the couch and lifted Lucy's chin. She looked up and made eye contact with him. This time she let him kiss her. When his lips found her, Lucy wondered why she even resisted in the first place. He was-gentler, more hesitant than before. He was uncertain about the course of action.

His kisses were soft and sweet as his lips brushed over hers. He softly broke the kiss, her brown eyes large. "It meant something to me." He said against her mouth.

"Really?" He nodded and Lucy couldn't help but smile widely. Laxus smiled back before kissing her sweetly again.

It was all she wanted, but right now Lucy wanted more.

Not content, Lucy grabbed at his shoulders roughly and forced him to sit back down. "Lucy, what-" She silenced him with her finger. Men, always so impatient. Lucy climbed onto the couch as well and placed her legs on each side of him, straddling him. Laxus's hands instantly reached for her hips and nestled there. Lucy examined his face from the nearness. Her eyes swept over his every feature: his scar, the defined cupids bow, that silver in his eyes, those ridiculous long eyelashes. She pressed her lips to his again, hard. Laxus, understanding the mood change, matched her intensity.

Her fingers weaved through his hair and pulled him closer. Their lips clashed and there was a flash of heat when Laxus's hands brushed her thighs, moving higher and bunching her dress up with them. The material gathered around her waist, Lucy broke the kiss to trail her lips down his throat. She had no thoughts right now, only focused on the passion between the two.

The sound of loud steps getting closer alerted Lucy and brought her back to the fact that that she was on a job, and therefore should not be making out with anyone and most certainly not in the bride's dressing room. A small part of her was very irritated, because it seemed like the world was trying to keep Laxus and Lucy apart. It was a very small part."Oh shit." she jumped off of the laughing dragonslayer. "Now is not the time to be laughing! Oh Mavis, I'm the middle of a job," Lucy grumbled as she tried to fix her hair in the mirror. "I really to get my hormones under control." She turned towards Laxus and glared. "You need to either hide or leave but you can't be seen here."

Laxus stepped behind her and embraced her, his mouth near her ear, "don't worry about me Blondie, I got this under control." He stepped away from Lucy.

"Okay, I'll see you after the job?" Did he want to meet back at Magnolia? It was established that there was a thing but much wasn't clear.

"Don't go too far after it." Before she could ask him what he meant, Laxus had jumped through the window and was gone.

What the fuck just happened? The door opened and in strolled in Gloris and Gray, fully clothed. Gray for his part seemed very tired and wary, flinching a little when Gloris moved towards the bag on the floor. Oops, how did that get there?

Lucy waited nervously for the neurotic woman to freak out but received no words. Gloris simply grabbed it and said very clearly. "Get out."

"You don't have to tell me twice." Lucy mumbled and left the room, followed by Gray. No sooner had they rounded the corner when he pounced.

"Laxus was here wasn't he?"

Lucy stared at Gray, how did he know? "What?"

He shrugged, "You're all flushed and we both know that shade is when you have a sexual encounter of sorts. Unless you were doing it manually, it had to be Laxus." Lucy tried not to flush harder.

"So, I could have been making out with a servant." She raised her eyebrow in challenge.

Gray rolled his eyes very sarcastically. "You only wish you were as casual as that." Drat, he's got me! "Don't look at me like that, I won't say anything."

"You better not or I'll tell Juvia about that wet dream you had about her."

The ice mage turned a very sickly color and his voice cracked, "IT WAS ONE TIME!"

Okay I know its been months and I have no excuse, this chapter was very hard to get through... We're wrapping up shortly, only about two chapters left, stick around and let me know what you think. I promise we'll all get that smut