"I thought I smelled you Blondie!" Laxus smirked and took the barstool next to Lucy. "One scotch please Master." Bob nodded and Laxus turned to face his former guild mate. "So Blondie, what brings you to Blue Pegasus without the flamethrower?" "I had an interview with a source for my next story and now have some time to kill, and I have no idea where Natsu is. I haven't seen anyone but the Strausses since Fairy Tail disbanded." Lucy took another sip of bubbly and noticed Laxus' right hand. A black Blue Pegasus guild mark was sitting there. "So, decided to become a member of the Trimen?" she queried. "Yes, for now. Bix, Freed, and Ever are here too, but they are on a job right now. I am surprised I haven't run into you in any jobs. I figured you would have joined a guild. You won't be able to afford your rent if you don't go out on jobs." "Well Sparky, wizarding adventures have taken a backseat to my writing career. I have a steady job and pay. I moved to Crocus and am working full time for Sorcerers Weekly." Laxus was quite surprised by this turn of events. "So Blondie wanna go to dinner with me and catch up? The gang won't be back till tomorrow and it gets pretty dull around here." Lucy weighed her options. It would be nice to be around an old... Friend? Guild mate? Fuck buddy? Not too sure how to classify our relationship, but dinner with the slayer might not be all bad. Agreeing to the arrangement, the two blondes finished their drinks and leisurely walked out of the guild hall. Laxus took her to a quiet little bistro next door to the duplex he was sharing with Bix. Ever and Freed were renting out the other side. "I bet it's nice having his team close. I wish... I wish I wasn't so alone." Lucy whined to herself. Preoccupied by her inner turmoil, Lucy didn't notice when their food had arrived or that a tear was trailing down her cheek.

"Blondie... Blondie... Lucy!"