A/N: Finally right! Sorry in advance for the bit of a cliff hanger. I will try hand to get the next chapter done sooner.
Chapter 28
Cobra glared out across the climate controlled deck. Five seconds. He'd give those men five more seconds to leave his mate alone before he gutted them and threw their bodies overboard into the ocean down below.
They were on their way to Bosco on a Boscan ship for New Years and Xally had to come across the only disrespectful people to its culture on this ship. Of course she politely told them no when they propositioned her, completely ignoring the gold hammered band around her neck signifying she was happily in a monogamous relationship, but they were really starting to push the little bit of patience he'd gained too far.
The whole fucking reason he'd gotten her a Promised necklace, other than it looked damn sexy on her tanned little lithe body when it was the only thing she wore, was so this bullshit didn't happen. He could have bought a Promised ring but that was too easily missed at a distance.
Cobra's eyes narrowed when one of the men grabbed Xally's arm as she tried to turn away. Oh that fucker was dead.
Forgetting the reason he hadn't left his sheltered corner before now, hiding not that he'd admit that to anyone, Cobra was across the deck in seconds; the offending male dangling from his neck in his hand, a snarl on his lips.
"Ever wanted to meet your lower intestine? Bet you do! It's the only reason to fucking touch that piece of ass."
Of course the man couldn't respond beyond strangled gurgling noises while his buddy started yelling and all together freaking out like the cowardly cunt he was. Too bad no one could hear him as Cobra bent the sound of all his drivel away from the other vacationers onboard; no need to upset the masses.
"Erik," his raven haired mate whispered in his ear the scent of her arousal building up. "I see you're wearing Kaleb's gift?" She nipped his ear, hands running down his body, and it took all of a half second before the poison slayer tossed the one bastard into the obnoxiously loud dick knocking them both out, wrapped his mate in his arms and had her pressed against the railing.
He knew, couldn't prove a damn thing but he just knew somehow Virgo had pulled a fast one on him, again, like she did so often with Tink. How or why she did what she did when Lucy was even now miles away he had no clue but there was no other way all of the clothes he'd packed for the trip could have been replaced after Xally and he had boarded the airship. Freed or Erza wouldn't have done that and Bickslow wasn't that good.
Now all he was left with was tiny little running shorts, no shirts at all and a low cut speedo he gotten as a gag gift for swimming; the underwear, if you could call it that, were assless thongs… another gag gift just from a different brother. Whatever the hell he'd done to gain Jeeves' attention he wished it would stop. Of course he'd have to wear what she packed because he wasn't gonna let Virgo win and be a pussy. Still, it had only taken two random but stealthy as fuck gropes of his person while he'd been walking to join Xally on deck before he was seriously regretting that decision.
"No choice." At her raised eyebrow he added, "Jeeves."
It took everything the water mage had not to laugh out loud. Lucy's maid spirit had been a constant, yet unseen, presence in Erik and her lives after they finally made it back to her father's home from that floating island happy and fortunately mated a little more than a month and a half later.
Even now poisonous treats appeared randomly on counters and tables, their current apartment would be mysteriously tidied but more frequently, small little pranks for Erik would be setup at...convenient...times. Like now, the spirit had just forced her mate who usually covered almost every inch of his naturally dark sexy skin to be almost completely exposed.
Xally had a theory Virgo was creating, inciting even, opportunities for her to get pregnant - why else would her infertility potions keep disappearing? The stoic spirit seemed to have a soft spot for babies be they from her princess or her princess' kin. She was as bad if not worse than her own father who'd already sent them a beautifully carved crib.
And there is was again, Cobra noted a heated playfulness sparkling in his mates dark eyes leaving the snarky slayer torn. Should he be grateful or angry at the maid spirit for her interference...again? Ignore her like he usually did or plan a punishment?
A small warm hand on his mostly bare ass decided it. Punishment but in a good way.
-DTRE-
The city streets were bustling with activity, people were scrambling for last minute purchases they'd need to celebrate the New Year and Lucy absolutely loved it. New Years in Bosco was bigger than Christmas was back in Magnolia with a whole week of traditional festivities that culminated into one huge celebration on the 31st with good food, drink, and shared pleasures all around. In the last 200 years or so the tradition of gift giving the first morning of the New Year to loved ones added into the mix of the already extensive holiday celebrations most likely from the influx of immigrants living in Bosco from nations that did celebrate Christmas.
It was quite the culture shock for Lucy but it did make sense. Christmas was at its root a Zentopian holiday but since that religious group, like any other for that matter, had no roots in Bosco it would make sense her previously favorite holiday didn't exist here.
In Bosco, the closest thing the country had to a national religion was their belief in the sacredness of Immaculate Light. It glowed even on the darkest of nights guiding the way for everyone like a beacon of hope fed by the ever shining stars.
Lucy absolutely loved it.
This year's celebrations promised to be even wilder than before, after all, the people needed it to be since they'd survived the life draining disease coming out of Iceberg and Kurino's treachery to the crown and her people.
The Crown Princess' execution last month had been very hard on King and country but Boscan's looked to the future at this time of year and all anticipated Liam's, Altiene's second child and only son, coronation. He was an intelligent mild man, already married to Weshten, Minstrel's second Prince, with their first child on the way from the surrogate the couple had spent 3 years to choose.
Even more exciting was news about their sacred Immaculate Light being "freed" as Maidens of the Light were no longer kept celibate and the Holy Knights were all slowing being re-inducted; Cristoff was scheduled to go in on the afternoon of New Year's Day.
Yes, there was so much to be celebrated and looked forward to; the rising hope was almost tangible. The one thing the blonde could do without was all the attention she garnered from her little baby bump while Cristoff and she moved through the crowds. She didn't mind, in fact was really grateful for, how people just parted around her so she wasn't jostled or bumped in the crush of bodies but everyone that had made eye contact with her had made a point to at least congratulate her and most couldn't keep their hands of her distended belly.
"What do you think about this?" Cristoff pointed to a terrarium at a nearby stall. It was obviously setup by one of the clans native to the Grass Sea, the runic designs and swirls around elegant grass runners tattooed on their right sides in rich black a dead give-a-way, but the items for sell were incredibly varied. What had caught the Lunar slayer's eye was the small dark purple snakelet with white underbelly and pale green eyes. With that coloring it had to be a baby havati serpent and there were two people he knew would love to raise the rare creature.
"Stars! Erik would be floored but so would Vander…" Lucy worried her bottom lip. Kinana had been transformed into a snake just like the one her mate had pointed to and she could still remember how effective in fights Erik was with her as his partner. He was so grateful when he'd finally found his oldest friend but he'd once confessed he would of preferred her as the snake still because of the advantages she'd given him. Felt guilty as hell about it too since she'd been cursed to be that flying serpent but things had just never been the same between them since she'd gotten back to her human self.
Honestly though, Lucy thought he needed "cute" winged partner, Laxus and Cristoff too, so her world of dragon slayers all having one would be complete. She just could never imagine Erik with an exceed partner; Cristoff definitely and even Laxus but not the toxic tongued slayer. A huge winged poisonous snake fit his arrogant attitude a hell of a lot better and this could be a chance for her friend to have that back but then…Vander was from Clan Husen; they revered the creatures and with the clan almost completely wiped out those highly toxic snakes had become near extinct. It would be Van's right to protect and raise the creature and maybe even help the species recover.
Cristoff smiled down at his mate as her little nose scrunched as she internally debated what to do.
"We'll take the havati," Cristoff said moving toward the tall dark haired man running the stand preparing to barter.
Intense deep green eyes met with the calm slayer's silently sizing up his worth before glancing to Lucy for a moment.
A brief nod and soon a bargain was struck leaving a conflicted but happy couple moving toward the waiting vehicle to go home and a satisfied clan's man behind.
"You were not supposed to sell the snake," a tall woman tucked herself into the man's side, eyes still following the odd couple.
"I know," was his quiet response.
"What do we tell the conservationists? They were looking forward to actually having a female."
"They are not honorable and you know I have never agreed with your father's choice. We would not treat a grass runner like they would even if they were not plentiful and there was something about those two… They knew what she was by sight and yet there was no sign of avarice. She will have the freedom in life she was meant to have not locked up and treated like the golden goose for greedy men under the pretense of righteous actions."
"Your magic still disquiets papa."
"Yet its gift is what makes our people flourish once again," he said before his attention was brought back to his stall and holiday customers.
-DTRE-
Cool air buffeted against black wings as Zen flew across the sky cutting through clouds as he tested his new connection with his brother and his mate. It seemed no matter where Lucy went the archangel mage was always able to find her and through her Cristoff; the magic in his veins called to hers almost like a homing beacon though it went beyond a simple directional pull.
Lucy could be miles away and Zen could tell you exactly where she was and often what she was doing – soaking in a specific bathhouse with Xally and Emi, eating at the new Minstralian bistro that opened up a month ago or even trying on some lingerie in a tiny hole in the wall shop.
Right now he was pushing the limits of their connection with Lucy in magic cancelling bracelets while Cristoff moon shifted to places all over the fair capital while he had to fly intricate flight patterns to distract his concentration.
The freedom to move about unknown and unseen was exhilarating after weeks of careful and restricted travel in order to contain the knowledge of his resurrection from the dead. He knew it was safer for now until plans could be setup to handle potential fallout from King Karadin finding out but the restraint was starting to chafe.
You're at Lucy's favorite tea shop getting a special blend mixed, he spoke through the mental bond Kaleb had setup to help them track their practice. It still impressed the archangel mage just how well his brother could participate actively with them even while he was incredibly busy with the Holy Knights and while keeping a close eye on Safra since Van and Gin had taken on an emergency request a couple of days ago.
The way he could actually multi-task was mind boggling.
Zen turned into a spiraling loop as he felt Lucy's magic pull wink out and then back but the specifics were not there. Pushing more concentration into their bond Zen's flight evened out but he had nothing.
I can feel the direction she's in but nothing specific.
Really? Lucy's bright voice chimed in excitedly.
I can't believe that worked… the smooth baritone of Cris followed.
Looks like Lucy was right Cris, Kaleb interjected.
What exactly was she right about because it's unnerving as fuck from my end, Zen thought to them a little more than annoyed to be the only one left out.
It seems like I have to know where I am in order for you to know as well. This last time I wrapped my scarf over my eyes before Cris jumped so I have no clue where I am currently… though judging by the sounds and smells… I'd guess a burlesque show? You guys have those here? Lucy asked blushing madly. The music was enticing and the smells were almost cloying to her, she couldn't imagine what it was like to the lunar slayer's more sensitive nose.
In a way, burlesque in Bosco made sense. Here pleasure was pleasure so why wouldn't they have titillating shows as well? They were probably more artistic and preformed with more studied dancing techniques since their crowd wasn't sexually repressed horn dogs –
Lucy cut that train of thought off before she could finish it. That was a Fioren prude's stereotypical view and she hated that. Cana had dragged her to a show once to prove that the men and women involved were incredibly skilled and what they put together was beautiful if not also incredibly sexual. But there is nothing sinful or dirty about sex, she reminded herself. She was mated to a Boscan and been lovingly accepted into his family; she needed to get over those kinds of learned ideas.
Let's try a couple more jumps to places Lucy's not familiar with but with her eyes uncovered to test that out, Zen deep voice drew Lucy's mind back to the task at hand. That way we can see if I can still pick up on what she's doing.
-DTRE-
Freed was caught up in the dark fantasy of the world written in Lucy's latest novel. Without Levy around to proof read and edit the blonde novelist had shyly begged for his assistance while he was in town. Gentleman that he is, he couldn't refuse her, especially not since he had really enjoyed her first published work. Though the subject matter between the two stories was incredibly different, based on the faint blush dusting his cheeks, her new work was turning out to be just as well written.
Mavis it was obvious the once innocent celestial spirit mage was being increasingly influenced by her mate and his culture but he would never be sorry for that. The way she described the traditional Boscan bathhouse he could almost smell the intense fragrance of the water from the Grass Sea instead of the heavy scent of alcohol and sex permeating from the main floor of White Sea's Pelerno branch guild hall down below.
Bickslow and Erza had practically dragged him to the New Year's Eve party the guild always threw here when the rune mage wanted nothing more than to stay at the Pradesh estate curled up with Lucy's novel and have at least one night away from the possibility of running into the blonde mage that had been haunting his every thought since his last stay.
The loud live music, mood lighting, privacy booths in constant use, grinding bodies on the dance floor all fell into the background as the greenette lost himself in Lucy's written word.
It was a spy story and the protagonist had just settled into the heated waters when his colleague and supposed friend, the antagonist, appeared cornering him. Freed couldn't help himself imagining himself as the novel's lead relaxing away the hardships he'd just overcome thinking his last job was finally finished. The powerful friend easily transformed into the white leather clad Pradesh brother with his knowing lavender eyes and white blond hair.
No words were exchanged only heated longing that he eagerly gave into relishing in the way those large strong hands rubbed the tension from his shoulders, back, thighs and calves only to work up an intense heat to replace it right there in the open bath.
The chance of people walking in and seeing his manhood proud and erect as Kaleb stroked him firmly only fed into the excitement of fulfilling long ignored desires. The flavor of spiced warm apples lingered on his tongue as the kiss was broken and he was bodily lifted to the edge of the pool all the while that talented tongue made its way lower on his body.
He shuddered and groaned as the beautiful full lips of the man he knew he could never have wrapped around his flared tip sucking gently –
"All you had to do was ask," a low gravelly voice whispered in his ear ripping the Fairy Tail mage viciously from the manuscript in his trembling hands.
"K-Kaleb!" he squeaked looking up into eyes that almost burned with passion focused not on his face but lower… Following his line of sight Freed's blush turned bright red as his focus landed right on the painful bulge trapped by his slacks.
"I...I…" He was about to bolt, but sharp lavender eyes held his and a firm hand gripped his shoulder, pressing him back into the chair when he started to rise.
"For a man so remarkably brilliant in so many ways….to think I wouldn't return your interest?" Kaleb was smiling as he slid around to completely trap Freed in the chair, eyes dilating a little as the Rune Mage's fantasies shifted from replacing characters in a book with them to so much more.
Beneath the panic and chaos created by his embarrassment and fear over being "caught" to the truth, the truth shinning in eyes as they moved over Kaleb's body as he stood before him. A leg lifted to place a knee on the arm of his chair opposite where the hand held Freed's shoulder against the back of the high backed claw footed chair.
Teal eyes slid up Kaleb's thigh, held in tight white leather to fix on how well he filled the front of those tight pants for a moment before Freed's blush deepened and he turned away.
"I was...I was only reading…" He tried and Kaleb released his shoulder, reaching and gripping the rune mages chin to tilt his face back up.
"Now you're insulting me. Freed, surface thoughts… you might as well be screaming at me. Gods…you want me? Why not ask? You're beautiful... I've always thought so, why wouldn't I want to explore those fantasies with you?" He asked, fingers softening, easing their grip to caress Freed's chin, trail down his throat while he stared up with those wide blue green eyes transfixed.
He didn't understand…how could he? Freed thought. He couldn't even imagine a tryst with this man. Kaleb was… beyond beautiful, tall, powerful, successful with the powerful body of his beloved Laxus only with tanned skin, almost glowing white tattoos, those gorgeous golden leaf patterns he now had just adding to the man's almost unreal beauty. Freed couldn't play with this, couldn't just share pleasure like Kaleb was one of bath attendant he'd visit during his annual vacation. How could he understand how Freed saw him now? The devastation and degradation he'd suffer when Kaleb moved on. He couldn't….
"Then help me to understand…or, if that's too much right now…just undo your belt…and let's see if I can live up to where your fantasy was going. Maybe once some of that tension is gone you'll think better and we can sort this out?" Kaleb offered and Freed couldn't even swallow, his mouth, throat, it had gone dry, and Kaleb, seeing it, reached down, took one of Freed's hands and placed it on his own neck as he sank down to his knees before the chair smiling when Freed's slightly shaking hand slid into his hair while he reached out and undid Freed's belt. The Rune mage stilled, eyes huge.
"Think...pick up the book and read the scene, let your mind wander…" Kaleb said softly and Freed looked to the book, reaching with his other hand and lifting it again resumed reading. He barely noticed his pants being opened but when Kaleb's fingers slid into his pants his whole being stuttered again and Kaleb smiled faintly.
When he'd left the party down below for a quite hour of personal reflection on this previous year that last thoughts he'd expected to pick up in the deserted floor were the very vivid imaginings of one Freed Justine. What had intrigued him the most was not the fact that someone was fantasizing about him with such depth - that happened all too often especially with these types of thoughts - but the fact that it was the male right before him.
Years he's known this man through his brother Bickslow and never once had he ever picked up the slightest hint of interest. If he was being totally honest he'd always thought it was a shame that out of all the people that lusted after him this man hadn't ever seemed to. Freed had a quite power about him, an understated confidence with a brilliant intellect that thrived on creativity. Long green hair, bright cerulean eyes, fair skin with the most artistically place beauty mark under his left eye, Gods above it was a shame the man had never even looked at him twice, at least that's what he'd thought until tonight.
Farron and he had even both spoken about what a treasure and rare beauty the rune mage was but since he was their brother's friend and didn't seem interested in either of them both had agreed on to pursue him. Now though, now the mindbender definitely knew there was interest, serious interest, and what better night to finally get the chance to indulge in each other and see what the new year would bring?
If nothing happened after tonight…that was fine. Pleasure was pleasure and they'd both be left with great memories. If there was really something here, something more? It really would be worth the hassle of solving such long distances between their homes. He already knew Freed was loyal, honest, loving and passionate.
Read to me Freed...read what you were imagining me doing… Kaleb prompted in his mind and Freed shuddered, that deep silken voice…the images came back too easily but the poor man tensed again.
"You don't understand." The heartbreak, there was no other emotion it could be, was evident on Freed's face as his painful whisper passed through lips so softly it could barely be heard before he exerted full control over his wayward thoughts and dissolved into brightly glowing runes that floated away from the still kneeling Kaleb.
Eyes narrowed Kaleb answered to no one, "I could, I will."
His father always told him the best things in life were never easy and as a child even until now Kaleb had firmly believed in it. It was why he worked out and trained almost religiously, why he has several degrees in a wide range of subjects. Cornering Freed and getting him to open up didn't look to be easy either.
All his life he'd wanted what his father had with his mother, the mother he'd never had the chance to meet. He'd wanted someone to love and be loved in return, someone who could stand by him as an equal, a helpmeet. Freed was everything he could ever wish for and now that he knew there was a chance…no way was he going to let that man just walk away without a fight.
-DTRE-
"And so I'm not actually allowed in the lacrima with you?" Lucy questioned clutching at her mate's strong arm as they walked calmly toward the hall where the new Immaculate light lacrima was setup.
"Not until we're married. That part of everything hasn't changed." Twinkling midnight eyes looked down on the worrying blonde.
Ever since they woke this morning Lucy had been agitated and nervous. Nothing but physical contact with him had done anything to calm her down but as they neared their destination not even that was working.
"What's wrong moje zlatíčko? You weren't at all nervous when Kaleb went through this."
"I don't know. I just feel like something bad is going to happen. Can you reschedule?" her pleading warm eyes looked up at him as her grip tightened.
Stopping them Cristoff pulled Lucy firmly into his arms and kissed the crown of her head.
"It will be fine. The only place more secure in Bosco than the palace is here in the Order of Holy Knight's headquarters. I'll be fine and you'll be safe while I'm in the lacrima. Both Safra and Kaleb will be there too. Relax," he soothed while growling gently to create a calming rumble.
"I know that but…something isn't right." Her small hands fisted in his dark hair, face pressed against his chest, the leather of his ceremonial white jerken too tight for her to grip.
"Cristoff Pradesh, there you are my good man. We're waiting for you just this way." The cheerful voice of General Tennison boomed across the sparse hall the couple had stopped in.
"General," he bowed his head then looked back to the light of his life. "Come love, the sooner we go the sooner it's over and can return home."
Lucy clenched her jaw but nodded in defeat nerves still going crazy telling her to run as they move closer to the impressively attired older gentleman at the other end of the room.
Suddenly runes shot up around the mated pair immobilizing them. The faint purple glow started getting brighter.
"General I can't use my magic," Cristoff started to say as he clung to his mate's hand mentally berated himself for not listening to his beloved. She'd been kidnapped far too often not to have developed a sixth sense about these things; a blessing and a curse.
"Oh I know," the jovial man cut him off. "I designed that trap myself. Say hello to Karadin for me and tell him I expect that bottle of scotch for my efforts." The general waved as the rest of the spell flashed and the pair was gone.
-End of Chapter-
Thanks to MadSoulessQueen for help snarking up my Cobra and to Desna for help with Kaleb and Freed. Let me know what you all think. - Blas
