Their first month apart Laxus drank himself into oblivion every night. His house was still filled with all of his celestial mage's belongings. Her scent, while slowly fading, permeated his house. Unlike usual, he forwent his favorite scotch and opted for really cheap champagne. Lucy, on the other hand, threw herself into the quest. She trained during off time, increasing her magical containers so much she would glow for hours with a starlight aura. She was probably on par with Laxus, magically speaking. She knew she wasn't built for brute force so she compensated with her magical aptitude and keen intellect. She was always an asset to her team, with her diverse magic and brains, but she proved herself 100 times over. By the end of their third month, her team was worried to the point of almost sending their blonde sister and friend back to Magnolia. They knew she needed to confront her problem, and stop pushing herself too hard. Lucy was a genius at running away from her problem, phusicall, mentally, and emotionally.
Late one night Natsu snuck into her tent. They had already completed a quarter of the quest thanks to his blonde bestie tactical skills and the brute strength of the others on his team. She was awake, like he knew she'd be, and softly crying her heart out into her pillow.He hunkered down next to her in her sleeping bag. Pulling the sobbing woman to his chest, Natsu decided it was time to broach the topic that had been on his mind since she called him tgat fateful morning. "So you aren't his mate, huh Luce? I am so sorry it took him that long to realize it." As her sobbing quieted, Lucylooked quizzically into his eye. "What are you talking about Natsu? I am his mate." This was a complete shock to the dragon slayer. With a very confused look, Natsu pressed on. "Then why aren't you with your mate, Luce? Don't you know how special that bond is? Why hasn't he marked you yet? You are already giving him the milk for free, why make him wait so long?" "Slow down Natsu! I didn't find out about it until that morning. The one where I impatiently decided to come along with you all. He kept it from me. He lied to me!" "He was probably afraid you'd bolt..." A dark aura started to swirl around the Light Of Fairy Tail. A distinct chill filled Lucy's tent."WHAT DID YOU SAY FLAMENRAIN?" Now, for the first time, in the history of their friendship, Natsu stood up to scary Lucy. "You heard me Luce. He was afraid you'd bolt! It isn't the first time you have and it probably won't be the last, but look where you are now. You bolted, BIG time!"
