~~LoLu~~

Chapter 16

~~LoLu~~

The hour before dawn found Loke awake and laying with his arms folded under his head on his side of the full bed. He'd only slept for a few hours, his mind taken up with their situation, but for him it was more than enough for the time being. For spirits, sleeping here on Earthland was like taking a nap, because of the time differences between the realms. He could rest more fully when this was all over and they went home.

Lucy was still asleep, but honestly, he wasn't so surprised by that. In fact, he'd have been more surprised if she hadn't been, with as much as had happened to her in the last few months. He turned his head and looked at his mistress, running his eyes over her currently calm, shadowed features. They softened with fondness after a moment, and he moved one arm and brushed the back of his hand over her cheek, his touch almost lighter than air. He didn't want to wake her, not just yet. There was a little more time left for her to rest, and he wanted her to have all of it that she could.

Her face twitched for a second at that tiny touch, and his eyes and heart softened even more as she leaned into the barely-there caress unconsciously. But when she breathed his name nearly completely silently as she did so, hope surged dangerously inside him. It seemed that in her most vulnerable state, with her defenses down and her mind asleep, she responded with perfect trust to him, seeking his affection and protection. That was a very good – and rather telling – sign, and Loke felt a lot more confident in that moment that, if she didn't already, she would come to love him in time.

Wishing that he could wrap her up in his arms and cuddle her while she slept, he exhaled silently, admonishing himself to be patient. Slow and steady would win the race and he knew that, but it was damned hard. Finally, though, he reluctantly pulled his hand away and started to replace it under his head.

His heart completely stopped and his eyes widened with surprise as Lucy murmured unhappily in her sleep and curled into him instead, following his retreating hand and ending with her head resting on his chest with a contented, happy little smile. Maybe I'm closer to gaining her heart than I thought, he realized with somewhat dazed wonder. Stars, please, let that be true... Carefully, unwilling to wake her too soon and end this amazing contact, he placed his arm around her instead, accepting her into his hold gently and with a soft smile in return of the one still on her lips.

Tha-thump. She snuggled closer to him and then settled with a gentle sigh, and Loke's heart absolutely melted with love for the young woman. It was so strong it brought tears to his eyes, but he just blinked them away and continued to hold her and watch the comfortable expression on her sleep-softened features.

I could spend the rest of forever right here and never miss anything else.

Unfortunately, reality would quickly intrude, and he knew it. He managed to pull his eyes from the love of his life and glanced at the window. The shade over it kept him from really seeing anything more than the fact that the light was deepening in slow increments, but soon the outside world would demand their time and attention fully once more.

Damn this whole mess, anyway, he sighed inwardly, the easy look in his eyes due to his current position hardening again as his mind turned back to the job at hand.

One thing had become clear to him over the last hours. With the silence of their surroundings and lack of current distractions – not counting the sleeping Lucy herself – his senses had gotten a chance to listen more deeply, so to speak, and he understood what she'd been talking about last night when she'd said that something here seemed familiar somehow.

Learning that Vashton and his cohorts had been gathering celestial keys had given him the answer. The blonde had simply been reacting to the very minute amounts of spirit world energy in the area from those keys. He was mildly surprised at just how sensitive to such energy she was turning out to be, because even he hadn't noticed it until the current downtime had allowed his most basic and instinctual senses to filter out all the other, louder distractions around them.

She really is an amazing woman.

He shook that thought off after a moment and considered Gaults' assertion that he felt their target was using a false identity, and had to wonder. Was the man a known quantity under another name?

Hmm...

Well, if 'Varrick Vashton' was a false ipseity, there could only be one reason in the end – he didn't want anyone to connect the fake and the real.

It didn't matter, though, he decided after a few minutes. Whoever the man was he had to be stopped, no equivocation, so the question of his true name could be set aside in favor of concentrating on the ultimate goal.

Mind once more running through all the information Gaults had given them, Loke frowned. They were really going to be in the deep end once they moved on Vashton's compound out in the boonies. It was a large spread from what they'd been told, and there were at least twenty-one mages there at any given time. All of them were in various stages of learning Marionette, Varrick himself and five or six others being proficient or better with the dark magic.

With he and Lucy, and her other zodiac keys, that didn't sound like bad odds – only five or six mages that could use the human manipulation/possession magic well, and which didn't work on them anyway, but...

The real danger here for them was any other magic that the wizards were capable of using. Varrick himself, it seemed, was quite skilled in... persuasion. It seemed that his voice was almost hypnotic; he was able to manipulate people simply by speaking. They just obeyed him when he gave orders, as though he were a king and they had no choice.

That thought rang a bell in his mind, but he couldn't place exactly why.

Before he could delve more deeply into the reasons for that, however, Lucy shifted slightly and sighed in her sleep, and his attention was immediately diverted right back to her. He held his breath for a few moments, wondering if she'd wake now or not, but he knew if she didn't, it would most likely only be a few more minutes before she did. Either that, or he'd have to do it himself as time counted down to the rising of the sun and the start of the new day.

Her eyes didn't open quite yet, though, and he set aside the looming morning in favor of watching his armful of warm and soft woman for the little amount of time he had left.

He was glad to note that the shadows that had lain beneath her eyes yesterday were almost gone. She looked a lot better, honestly, not quite so fragile as she had. Their quick return to the spirit world before laying down last night hadn't hurt, either, allowing her energy to begin recovering a bit faster. Her face scrunched and her nose wrinkled briefly as he watched, and alone in the room with no other eyes on them, he let a rather besotted smile flitter across his face. She was just too cute.

I love you, Lucy... I really do. I hope you never change. I wasn't kidding yesterday when I told you that your attempts to improve on perfection were wasted effort.

Of course he knew she wasn't perfect; neither was he. But she was perfect to him, and in the end that was all that counted. He adored her just as she was, and he always would.

That was why he would be completely ruthless in protecting her. Anyone that showed themselves as a danger to her would be taken down, no questions asked – just like Delenn. She was what was most important to him, their contract notwithstanding. It really never had been about that for him... not from the moment she'd saved him and Seirei-o had bound them together as mistress and spirit.

It was now, and always had been, about love.

Stronger movement from the woman curled against him and a deep sigh pulled his eyes to hers. They were just opening, and he watched with fascination as the sleepy haze in them slowly leached away – and then she realized where she was, and with who, and a fierce blush crawled across her cheeks.

She immediately began untangling them. "Don't get any ideas," she mumbled gruffly, refusing to meet his now-amused gaze as she crawled out of the bed. "I've always gone for the warm spot, and you're very warm, that's all."

He chuckled knowingly. "Mmhmm... whatever you say, beautiful."

Her grumpy scoff was met with a broad grin as he sat up on the bed, and after a few seconds she gave up and trudged off in the direction of the small bathroom. "Jerk," she grumbled.

When she emerged from the bathroom twenty minutes or so later, Loke had changed out of the boxers and t-shirt he'd napped in and was in a collared shirt, heavy denims, and boots, looking crisp and ready for action. He was leaning against the small table drinking a cup of coffee, and smiled when she sniffed the welcoming aroma of roasted arabica beans with a hopeful expression. She scurried over and he handed her a second cup before she could even ask.

"You look much better," he commented after she'd taken a relishing sip.

She flicked a somewhat guarded glance at him, but when she was met with an uncomplicated smile she unbent and nodded, finally letting a return smile brighten her features. "Yeah," she said softly after another drink, "thanks. I do feel better – less tired and not stretched quite so thin. I'm ready for what's coming."

"Glad to hear it."

"So... have you decided what we should do first?"

A mischievous brow rising into his bangs, Loke allowed his eyes to flicker rapidly over her, and he winked. "Well, I don't know about you, precious, but personally I think you should probably find something to wear other than that rather charming towel you've got on before you think about anything else."

Suddenly realizing that she hadn't gotten dressed yet, she turned a deep red and shrieked in dismay, dropping her coffee on the table and zipping back in the direction of the bathroom to the tune of the lion's deep laughter.

"Dammit, you pervert!" she yelled.

"But my love," he protested with a wide grin, "I'm not the one that came out here in nothing but a very skimpy towel! How is this my fault?"

She came back into view a few moments later, now dressed in a cute but serviceable outfit of jeans and a cropped top, hiking boots covering her dainty feet and her whip and keys attached to her belt. She looked capable and ready for action – and the fierce glare on her face directed at him only added to the image. "One of these days, Loke," she growled as she stomped over and snatched her coffee back off the table. "I swear – one of these days I'm going to knock that smarmy grin right off your face."

"Smarmy?" he objected laughingly.

Her flat stare made his eyes twinkle gleefully.

"So, anyway," she began, loftily changing the subject, "you never did say what you think our first order of business should be."

That sobered him, and Loke's expression immediately went serious. "We should make contact first with Gaults' main field agent – what did he say his name was – Leffler?" Lucy nodded, and he continued. "He's the man on the ground, so he'll have any updates or new information, and we need to be as current as possible on what things look like out there."

"Makes sense," she considered, looking thoughtful. "But I'm kind of concerned... once we go after Vashton and his men, it's going to get even more dangerous for the agents. You know the old saying about rats deserting a sinking ship, and if it looks like the tides are turning in our favor, those mages surrounding Varrick might try to run. If Leffler and his other men happen to bump into any of the 'rats', there's going to be trouble. We should have them all come back to town once we head in."

"You're right," the lion agreed, absently swirling the little coffee left in his cup around and staring down at it as he pondered on the ins and outs of the situation. "Well, they might not like it, but when it comes down to it we're the ones in charge of this operation. Until Vashton and his cohorts are subdued so they can be turned over, we're running the show. But we probably should clear it with Gaults before we head out. It'll just make things easier when dealing with the agents – that way if they try to put up a fuss, we've already got their boss in our pocket, so they'll have no choice."

The blonde shrugged and took another sip of her drink. "I suppose."

"Then let's get going. I want to get this over with as soon as possible so we can take care of more important things – like getting you settled."

Without another word Lucy's form shimmered brightly blue-white before the energy ripped away, revealing her now wearing a thin denim half-jacket over her cropped top, her hair braided and looped up in a functional bun so as to be out of the way. She looked herself over with a satisfied air, and then grinned a little wryly. I should have remembered I could do this now before coming out of the bathroom.

"Silver linings..." When Loke looked a little confused at that, her small grin widened into a true - if somewhat sad - smile. "Everything that's happened to me since that train robbery... sometimes I feel like I'm drowning. Becoming a celestial spirit and losing my humanity has been hard, but I have to say, I really love the ease of changing clothes and getting ready. Silver linings... see? I always, you know, try to find them no matter what happens. It makes bad or stressful things more bearable."

He held her gaze for several long moments, searching her eyes, and then smiled in return and straightened up. He ran the tip of one finger down her chin, causing her to flush just a little. "You really are something else again, Lucy Heartfilia. Every time I think you couldn't surprise me any more, you pop out with something like that and leave me even more awed at the depths of your strength. Don't ever let anyone tell you you're weak, love, because you're the strongest person I've ever met. And I've met a lot of people in my lifetime. You're amazing."

Surprised and embarrassed at his words and the warmth he'd spoken with, the young woman's flush deepened and her eyes dropped away bashfully. But before she could begin to deny what he'd said he continued speaking, easing her past the rather intense moment and back to the task at hand.

"I'm bringing Levy's little device with us – I don't want anyone getting in here and finding it, and it might just come in useful out there," he went on, striding over to the bedside table and picking the tiny thing up. He tossed it up into the air and then caught it and slipped it into his pocket, then turned towards the door and gestured her towards it. "Let's get a move on, then, if you're ready."

The still slightly blushing blonde nodded and preceded her lion out the door without another word.

~~LoLu~~

It was a two-hour stretch out to Varrick's compound from the inn, made longer for the fact that they had to go overland.

Walking right up the road and knocking on the door really wasn't a viable option – unfortunately, in Lucy's opinion.

With everything that had happened to her lately, however, she had plenty to occupy her mind during the hike, though the only thing it seemed to want to linger on was Loke. She sighed inwardly. Of course. He was always in her thoughts, especially lately, and events like the ones she'd woken to this morning only encouraged that.

She flicked a rapid glance at him as he walked quietly by her side, then pouted and jerked her eyes away before he noticed.

He's too charming for anyone's good. But he's also so many other things – if all he could lay claim to was a facile allure, I'd be able to brush him off, no skin off my nose.

However, that most definitely wasn't all he could lay claim to. He was a very charismatic man, flamboyant and over-the-top sometimes, and yet when it came down to it his soul was there to be seen by any who chose to take a second look. He was one of the most genuine people she'd ever met just underneath that showy exterior. He felt things so deeply; the situation with Aries had proven that beyond a shadow of a doubt. And he was so very vividly alive. How could she not fall in love with him?

The problem was – or it had been – that she'd seen him as a bad idea for romance because of his playboy persona. She wanted to be the only, not one of many. And for a time, her obstinate belief in his serial womanizing had been sufficient to keep her feelings for him at bay. But not anymore.

When was the last time she'd seen him hitting on or flirting with a woman? She couldn't remember. Well, okay, he had been kind of flirty with Yukino, but even she had been able to tell – through her jealousy – that he hadn't been serious. And that was really the last time. He seemed to restrict all his flirting to her now.

Maybe... well, maybe. She abruptly recalled what had happened after they'd left Makarov's office yesterday – before that kiss. The way he'd looked at her had seized her attention then, and the further memory of what she'd felt from him during her Joining only added to what she was beginning to suspect just might be true. Oh, stars I hope... Well, she couldn't deny it. She hoped that Loke was at least beginning to return her feelings.

Sure, she knew he cared for her. But she didn't just want him to love her like he did his other friends. She wanted to be closer. A lot closer. And even though she'd never even considered the possibility before, not once ever thinking she had a real chance with him, now that the thought was there, she couldn't rid herself of the hope it generated.

And that wasn't even considering that kiss. Her insides clenched with heat at the memory of how it had felt. It had been amazing, there was no denying that, and she was pretty sure that despite his playboy ways, he'd never just done something like that to another woman. That kiss hadn't been about a little bit of fun – or even a lot - and flirty or not, turning and casually kissing some girl like that wasn't something even he would do. No... there had been a great deal of emotion in that contact.

Now she just had to figure out how deep that emotion went for him. Could it be as deep as her feelings?

Well, the only thing she could do was watch him. She'd be paying very close attention from now on to exactly how he reacted to her, the things he said, the things he did. Was he truly simply flirting with her, or was it more? And she'd definitely be paying attention to how he acted with other women, as well. That was a very important point for her, because she really wouldn't accept being one of many. She'd be the only, or she wouldn't step in the ring in the first place, simple as that.

Decision now firmly made, she actually felt easier inside, not so guarded in his presence anymore. It was time to open up a little to him, give him a chance to prove whether his interest was real or not. If it was... well-

A jangling sensation of warning echoed across the landscape of her mind, ripping her from her thoughts. Lucy immediately came to a halt, reaching out and grabbing Loke's arm to stop him. He instantly went on the alert as she let go again, his guard up, and she scanned the area, knowing that they were no longer alone. Someone or something was close.

"I am gratified to see that you are paying attention," a voice came literally out of nowhere, and then a gray, smoke-like substance began to whirl in the air a few feet off to the side. Just as their eyes locked onto the odd effect, it snapped suddenly into focus.

It was a man. Slim, clean-shaven, and neatly dressed, with silver hair cropped close to his head and glasses framing his almost eerily blue eyes, the young man primly pushed them back up the bridge of his nose with one well-bred finger and looked them both over, just as they were doing to him.

"I should rephrase. I am gratified to find that you, at least, ma'am, are paying attention," he qualified, his expression stiffly disapproving when it landed on Loke.

The lion's eyes narrowed at the dig. "Leffler, I presume?" he asked with just a touch of aggression, after looking around and taking in their position.

"That is correct," the agent replied with a small, rather ironic bow. Then he looked at Lucy again, and his manner became a little friendlier – to Loke's instant dislike. He scowled faintly.

"And you would be Lady Lucy Heartfilia," the young man continued with a small smile at the blonde, who was blinking rapidly in some surprise.

Um... She had the rather insane urge to giggle. This man was all that was proper, from his speech to his clothing and manner. And he worked for Gaults, that giant, shaggy bear of a man? The urge to laugh got stronger, and she barely held it off. "You're Leffler?" she blurted, before slapping a hand over her mouth to stop anything else from coming out without her prior approval. I wonder how they get along...?

The young man tilted his head and studied her with a slightly confused expression on his even, rather handsome features. "Yes. Is there a problem with that?"

"She probably didn't expect someone like you after meeting Gaults, pretty boy," another voice drawled, a female one this time. "You should be used to that reaction by now."

Both Loke and Lucy's eyes snapped around as one and they watched silently as a woman formed out of what looked like dark purple flames. As the shadowed light from it faded, the speaker was fully revealed, and the two nearly gaped.

The woman was almost extravagantly beautiful, waist-length, almost twilight-colored hair curling down her back, with black eyes that weren't in the least flat as one would think from the color blinking languidly at them. Her skin was pale and perfect, and her body long and slender.

Lucy instantly felt like a dowd next to her, and decided she wasn't going to like the woman at all – especially as she was looking her lion over quite openly and lasciviously, while actively ignoring her.

Apparently, there was no love lost between Leffler and the woman, either, whoever she was. He was frowning at her, his dislike apparent in his eyes. "Let us keep this professional, Seravien. This is no time for your little games," he chastised disapprovingly with a small sniff.

She merely shot him an amused smirk, then looked back at a still very startled spirit with an inviting wink. "I'm always professional, Leffler. I never let business interfere with pleasure, you should know that by now," she dismissed with a sultry chuckle, before addressing Loke. "So, handsome, you must be Leo. I'm Shona – Shona Seravien."

Well, I was just thinking about watching how he reacts to other women, and I guess now's my chance, Lucy thought to herself a bit sourly. She really, really hoped she wasn't about to lose out to the gorgeous woman in front of her, but if he went for it, then at least she'd have her answer.

Dammit, why am I always surrounded by women that are more beautiful than me? I just can't win!

The lion cleared his throat and opened his mouth, and the blonde tensed, breathlessly waiting for whatever was going to come out of it...

~~LoLu~~

A/N: I hope everyone enjoyed the chapter. I'm pretty pleased with it, though no doubt (as always happens, dammit) as soon as I post it I'll start seeing mistakes, things I missed. You know, duplicate words, missing words, something I misused, really stupid grammar or tense mistakes. It irks me – I feel like I should be able to write something without mistakes, though truthfully I know that no writer is perfect and even published authors have a lot of help getting their story ready for publication. That's what proofreaders and editors are for, and I don't work with anyone on my stuff, it's all done by me. Still, even knowing that doesn't stop the irritation, lol. But all that to say that I hope any mistakes weren't too jarring or obvious, and that I managed to maintain a good flow. (And also that everyone enjoys the first part of the chapter especially, all that Loke/Lucy interaction...)

Amber