Well, I figured there had been enough sexy times, so I decided to move on with the plot. I had to rewatch some episodes for this chapter, but it might deviate from the plot of the show a little bit.

As always, Fairy Tail does not belong to me. This story is entirely for fun and nothing else. However if you do enjoy this story, a review to let me know your thoughts is always welcomed.

Chapter 12: In Which Family Should be Together

As much as Lisanna wished it wouldn't, time passed without her consent. Things very rarely stayed the same for too long anymore, a fact of life she'd long since had to get used to. Despite her affair with Bickslow, life went on, things stayed busy, and she had other things she had to focus on. After all, she wasn't going to make much money cuddled up with him in seclusion somewhere, making out and playing with his babies. If only life were that easy on her.

Still, she couldn't complain. Ever since their argument that had forced them both to come clean about their jealousy, there wasn't a single problem she could think of between them. He was sweet to her and the time they were allowed together was great. He'd even taken to teaching her some of his magic for real, not that she seemed to get most of it. From what he told her, Seith Magic was mostly inherited in bloodlines and while it was possible to learn a few simple ways to manipulate souls, she'd never be the master at it that he was. His lectures were usually pretty complicated anyway and so far she wasn't seeing much of a result.

Then again, half way through his lectures they usually both ended up kissing throughout the rest of their time together while his babies whistled at them and cat called.

Honestly, it was just as well. She liked her own brand of magic just fine, and any time she got to spend with him was good. While yes, they usually just used it as an excuse to get physical, she couldn't deny just being around him was nice. Lisanna was not sure just when it had gone from being sex to this odd sort of friendship that had developed between them, but it honestly meant something to her. Bickslow had become special to her. It was… well, nice.

Even Evergreen wasn't giving her a reason to worry. Besides a couple knowing looks whenever Lisanna and Bickslow went off together in order to spend time alone, she hadn't really done anything. It seemed Bickslow had been right to trust their secret to her. It seemed she was even going out of her way to distract Elfman for them, though Lisanna was sure that was more for Evergreen's benefit than their own. It certainly made Lisanna feel grateful though, knowing their business would remain private.

Through it all too, the world kept on spinning. There were still jobs to do and work to be had and their time together still didn't seem to expand by that much, even with their excuse of working on her magic. Probably for the best too, seeing as she had other things going on around her that needed her attention. Natsu and Lucy seemed to be getting on okay, but it seemed to Lisanna there was a bit of tension around them. They seemed to get along great one second and then start yelling at each other the next. It only seemed to be getting worse too, and Lisanna had already wondered a couple times if she should try to offer some advice to help smooth things over. After all, it couldn't be healthy for them to get into fights that often and she didn't want to see two of her best friends get on like this. While it wasn't really her business, she wanted the best for those two and she couldn't help but wonder if maybe getting them to express their feelings a little more physically might help them out a bit.

At least, until Lucy's relative showed up. Lisanna wasn't sure what to think about her. Michelle Lobster was a nice enough girl, and when she'd started to work at the guild she worked hard even if she seemed to break more dishes than what her wages were worth. She was kind enough but… well, Lisanna wasn't sure. Something just seemed off about the whole situation, especially with some memento that had been left for Lucy from her father. Lisanna herself didn't know much about Lucy's parents since the girl very rarely talked about him but apparently things had been pretty strained for them. It all seemed kind of strange. Still, having Michelle around seemed to give Lucy something to focus on besides just worrying about restoring the guild or Natsu, so it was okay. Fairy Tail was important to everyone, but you had to have things for yourself too.

She supposed it just went to show that no matter what, life went on. Nothing could really stay the same forever, as much as she would have liked it to.

It was probably why she had taken the day to go off into the forest. She needed some time to think and reground herself. In reality, if she could have her way it would all be back to the way it was, everyone at the old guild, happy and content. If only they hadn't been trapped on Tenrou for so long. Then again, if it hadn't happened, would she have ever ended up with Bickslow?

Probably not, and if she were being honest she wasn't sure she wanted to exchange him for anything.

"I guess it's not really possible to have it both ways," she admitted as she went down the path. "As much as I talk about wanting be seen as mature, I guess I still have a long ways to go. God, I feel like I'm acting so spoiled right now."

Her musing was broken though by the sound of the brush nearby moving. Curious if someone else was out here, she went to go investigate when the bushes moved to the side and a large creature stepped up. She found herself staring up at a large Gorian towering right over her. At seeing her, the creature grinned lecherously.

"Why hello there, woman," it purred as she grimaced and backed up a bit away from it. "I was just thinking about Fairy Tail and how I'd like to get back at them. Seems perfect timing to see you here."

"Oh gross," she said. "Look, I didn't come out here for this. Get lost."

The forest vulcan only sniggered at her, seeming to find her reaction amusing.

"Why don't you make me?" he asked before he reached for her. She snarled and in a flash of light she was in her cat form. The Gorian didn't even know what was happening before she jumped at him, scratching his face all over until it fell over in the bushes.

"To think there was a time when I was a kid and you actually scared me," she muttered as she changed back. "Seriously, I came out here to think and you're gonna bug me? I'm miles ahead of you now."

"I'd say. To think I actually thought about stepping in to save you for a second," a gruff voice said behind her. She turned around, surprised someone had been able to sneak up on her so easily only to see Laxus of all people standing there, hands in his pockets. "Seems you have gotten stronger. Who'd have thought?"

"L-Laxus!" she cried out in surprise. "What are you doing here?! Have you been here the whole time?"

"Yeah. I was about to step in, but it seems you handled yourself just fine," he noted.

"That's not what I meant," she said, shaking her head. "I mean, you've been in the forest since we got back from Tenrou Island? Have you been near Magnolia ever since?"

He didn't quite look at her when he shrugged his shoulders.

"Nah. I've been getting around for training mostly. It was just a coincidence we bumped into each other," he stated, though somehow she didn't quite believe him.

"Right," she replied. "Well, then what are you doing here?"

"Like I said, training," he informed her. "Anyway, you seem fine so I'm going to head back out."

"What?" she asked as he started to walk away. "Hey! Wait up! Don't leave again!"

She rushed after him, having to hurry to keep up with his long stride. Oh, yeah right. Like she was just going to let him walk off after not seeing him in so long.

"Don't you have anything better to do, kid?" he asked when he noticed her right next to him.

"Don't talk like that," Lisanna replied. "Come on, no one has seen you since we got back from the island. Everyone is going to be so excited to know you're still here."

"Can't say I see that as being true. You did hear about all the problems I caused, right?"

"Right, like anyone really cares about that anymore," she shot back. "At the very least Bickslow, Evergreen and Freed would want to know you're okay."

He stopped at that and turned to face her, peering at her closely. She actually blushed a bit when he leaned in so close and actually sniffed her for a second.

"I was wondering what that smell hanging around you was," he noted.

"Huh?"

"Listen, my camp isn't too far from here. Why don't you come over and we can have a chat?" he offered.

"W-what?" she asked. That was a sudden change in attitude. What the heck was going on?

"Don't you want to? You seemed pretty eager to talk just a second ago," he stated. She could only nod, dumbfounded at his offer. "Good. Come on, I'll make you some tea or something."

She could only follow along at the underbrush, wondering why he was being so welcoming now. It seemed he'd been just as happy to walk away a second ago. What had caused the sudden change? It actually felt a little surreal as they arrived at his camp, a modest little tent and small bedroll laid out next to a circle of stones with some dead and splintered wood. It only took a snap of his fingers and a small bolt of lightning for the wood to catch with a spark and a fire to start.

"Sit, sit," he said as he gently pushed her to the ground. She was honestly too confused to do anything but as he instructed and watched him pull a pack out of his tent and begin rummaging through it. "You still like lemon tea, right? I can't remember."

"Uh, lemon is fine," she said. Since when had he been nice enough to offer to make anyone anything? Lisanna couldn't even remember him doing anything like that when she'd been a kid.

"Good. It's all I have besides coffee," he admitted as he got the kettle ready and put it over the fire. "Do you even drink coffee? That stuff is probably too much for a girl your age."

She puffed her cheeks out in irritation.

"Are you teasing me on purpose?" she asked him, to which he smirked a bit.

"Maybe a bit. If you're old enough for things like a boyfriend, you must be old enough for coffee," he stated, causing her eyes to bug out in surprise. "You know, I guess I should give my blessing to you two. First Ever and Elfman, now you and Bickslow. Strange how relationships keep popping up between my bozos and your family."

"W-what?!" she cried out. "No! No, you got it all wrong! What makes you even think Bickslow and I are… Damn it! How's everyone keep figuring us out?!"

"Bickslow's scent. You smell a lot like him now," he pointed out, causing her cheeks to get as hot as a skillet in the span of only a couple seconds. "I couldn't quite place it at first until you mentioned him."

"We've been spending a lot of time together," she explained. "I mean, yeah we have been sleeping together but it's not… a… a relationship."

"What?" he growled out.

"It's just, you know, healthy fun. Nothing complicated," she said, trying to sound casual but felt a bit worried when he looked so irritated. "Is something wrong?"

"He's not disrespecting you, is he?" he asked.

"What? No, no of course not. Look, it's completely… Hey! Why am I explaining this to you? It's not any of your business!" she exclaimed suddenly, clenching her fists. "Besides, we were talking about how everyone misses you. The whole Thunder Legion would be ecstatic to know that you're okay."

"Eh, tell them I'm fine if you want," he replied. "Still, you and Bickslow. How the heck did that happen?"

"Didn't you hear the part where I said it wasn't any of your business?" she sighed. Was this what Bickslow had gone through with Evergreen? Why were people so nosy about the two of them? "We just sort of fell into it. He was nice to me when I was going through a tough moment and it just sort of happened. Neither of us are seeing anyone else at the moment, so we decided to give it a shot."

Not exactly the full truth, but she figured he'd like a summary like that better than the version of Bickslow bending her over the bar and getting her addicted to sex with him.

"Then he's treating you alright?" Laxus asked.

"Like a total gentleman," she assured.

"Huh. Not sure I've ever heard Bickslow described that way."

"Anyway, it's still none of your business," she pressed. "Let's get back to you. If you've been around, why didn't you tell anyone? I mean, people at the guild have been missing you a lot."

"Somehow I doubt that's true," he snorted. "Aside from the Thunder Legion, who else would give a shit that I've been gone?"

"Mirajane has been asking about you," she pointed out, watching him closely for a reaction. For a second he did seem surprised, his eyes widening a moment before he laughed.

"Probably only so she could get a chance to whack me one herself. She's been pretty sour on me ever since you went and died, you know? Lot of things changed after you left."

"I didn't die," she argued before blowing her bangs out of her eyes in irritation. Part of her thought he was trying to tick her off on purpose. "Besides, you're wrong. It seems like she really misses you. She was asking Bickslow if he'd seen you just recently."

"Nice sentiment, but that doesn't really prove anything," he said before patting her head. "Besides, the fact of the matter is I was banished by my old man. Even if I did want to, I can't come back. There's nothing to be done about it."

"Do you want to come back though?" she asked him.

He paused at that before sighing a bit. It was strange to her to see him acting so calm. Even with a couple years missing, she was still used to him being so violent and cocky all the time when she'd been younger. The events of the festival must have really done something to him to see things differently.

"It'd be nice to be back but I don't see that happening any time soon," he replied. "It's not like the old man to change his mind anyway. He's way too stubborn to ever let me back, even if I got on my knees and begged him too."

"Yeah, I guess you're right," she agreed. "Not that I see you going down to your knees either."

"Mmmm, you're probably right."

"Looks like we know where you got your stubbornness from," she giggled.

"Suppose you're right," he admitted. "Which means we're at an impasse. Nothing else to do about it. It's better if everyone else just moved on from it and forget the idea of me coming back."

"Laxus..." she said softly. "You shouldn't talk like that. I'm sure your grandfather will let you back in eventually. Besides, it doesn't mean you have to live out in the woods away from everyone else."

"Thanks for the vote of confidence, but I'm just more comfortable out here for the moment," he informed her. Letting the water in the kettle get hot enough that it started to whistle, he grabbed it and poured her a cup, setting a tea bag in it for her ad pressing it into her hands. "Here."

"I guess I can't force you to come back or anything," she admitted. "Still, it would be really nice if you were to swing by anyway."

His answer was cut off by the sudden crashing of a tree, causing her to jump up and shriek when it nearly crashed down on top of her.

"The hell?" Laxus asked as he stood up to see the cut up and angry Gorian snarling at them. "Oh, it's just you again. Didn't little Lisanna take care of you already?"

"Hey, don't call me little!" she objected loudly.

"Woman scratched me up," the creature snarled, "but I'll pay her back just after I thrash you!"

Lisanna didn't even see Laxus move, and the lightning was almost too fast to catch, but it a mere second electricity was striking out against the monster, frying him instantly. She could only watch him twitch on the ground, his fur singed as he moaned in pain.

"Think you might have overdone it," she noted, but he only shrugged.

"He was lucky I held back," Laxus said.

"Heh heh. Your lightning reached all the way to the sky. That's holding back for you?" she asked with a chuckle.

"You really think that was even a fraction of my power?" he asked, actually looking cocky for a second. "Come on, I was the strongest member in Fairy Tail after all."

"Yeah, I guess that's true," she admitted. "You didn't even break a sweat."

"To be fair, neither did you. You kicked it's butt pretty hard."

"Yeah, but it seemed to recover pretty fast so I don't know if it was all that impressive in the long run. Still, if you want me to tell Mira you saved me from the big, scary monster, I don't mind."

"Alright, kid. Knock it off. Don't go telling you sister crap like that. She'd know it was bullshit anyway."

"You sure?" she asked teasingly.

"Incredibly sure," he muttered, crossing his arms over his chest and looking away from her. Once again, she didn't quite believe him.

"Laaaaaxus!"

"Oh come on. What now?" he asked just as someone else approached the clearing, Gajeel and Natsu bursting through the foliage with Happy trailing behind them.

"Natsu? Happy? What are you doing here?" Lisanna asked.

"We saw that lightning in the sky and came to check it out!" Happy explained. "Natsu was right, it was Laxus after all."

"See, I told you. Who else could it have been?" Natsu exclaimed happily.

"Shouldn't you have been helping Lucy with the work on translating the words on that memento her father left her though?" Lisanna asked.

"What? Why'd we want to do something boring like that?" he asked.

"Well, it would have given you two a chance to be close," she explained.

"Close? What are you talking about?"

"Forget all that nonsense," Gajeel cut in. "I don't know about this pipsqueak, but I only came here for one reason."

"Laxus! Is that you?!"

It seemed another interruption was heading in, as Lisanna saw Freed, Evergreen and Bickslow come into the clearing as well.

"Seems like a lot of people saw your lightning after all," she pointed out.

"Ugh. You're turning out to be bad luck, Lisanna. You do realize I was hiding out here, right?" he asked her.

"Maybe you should have tried to hold back a little bit more than," she replied.

"Laxus… Laxus, I can't believe you've returned to us," Freed said, tears springing in his eyes.

"We thought you were gone forever," Ever whispered happily.

"Laxus, boss, you gotta stop running off without us, man," Bickslow cried out happily.

"Laxus! Laxus!" his babied cheered.

"Ah, enough of all that!" Natsu cried out. "Laxus, you got some nerve, hiding out here! If you were around then you should have let me know!"

"And why's that?" Laxus asked with an arched eyebrow.

"So I could mop the floor with you, of course! Oh man! I've been waiting for this!"

"Right, like I'd waste my time with you," Laxus said. "Come on, don't be ridiculous. Like you could compete with me."

"Heh. Sounds to me like you're just scared to face a real challenge. After all, I did kick you butt last time."

"Oh yeah right," Gajeel said. "It's only because of me that he lost that time."

"Natsu, don't even joke about such things!" Freed answered angrily. "You neither, Gajeel! If you plan to fight Laxus, you have to go through us first!"

"That's right!" Bickslow agreed.

"Oh man, this is gonna turn into a brawl real fast. Maybe I ought to take a step back," Lisanna mused.

"Nah, guys. Don't even worry about it," Laxus said. "I can take you on. I'll even give you the advantage of one right after the other. Maybe one of you losers will get lucky and wear me down enough for the second one to step in and get a lucky shot. How about it?"

"Sounds fine to me," Gajeel agreed.

"Yeah, me too," Natsu said.

"Wait! Don't!"

The entire group turned to see Wendy and Carla at the edge of the clearing, the young girl looking worried. Lisanna was honestly shocked. Just how many people had Laxus attracted with his light show anyway?

"What's the big deal, Wendy? There's no way we can't fight now. He's totally agreed to it," Natsu pointed out.

"Yeah… I know, but… This is a special occasion! So you've got to make sure you make it special!" she said suddenly as she pointed at them. "You'll fight at this time tomorrow! Deal?"

"Hmmm, a bit of a time to rev up for the fight?" Gajeel asked. "Sounds like a good idea to me."

"Oh yeah! Great idea, Wendy! I'll be all fired up for it now!" Natsu agreed enthusiastically.

"Well, I guess that settles it for now," Lisanna said, the two Dragon Slayers running off, no doubt to get ready for the fight and Wendy hurriedly rushing off after them. "You're just as popular as ever, aren't you, Laxus?"

"I'm not entirely sure I'd use the word popular," he stated.

"No, I think the word popular works just fine," she replied.

He didn't have much more of a chance to say anything else, because suddenly Freed and Evergreen were jumping on him, shouting encouragement for their leader. Lisanna couldn't help but notice that Bickslow held back though, looking over at her.

"What's the matter?" she asked him. "Don't you want to say hello too?"

"Were you the one who found Laxus?" he asked her instead.

"More like he found me," she admitted. "We were chatting and-"

Her words were suddenly cut off when he grabbed her and yanked her forward in a hug.

"B-Bickslow..." she whispered softly.

"You really are something special. Hope you know that," he said.

"I… I really didn't do anything," she objected softly. "Bickslow, they're right over there. They're going to notice."

"Meh. Let them see. I'm just hugging a fellow member of the guild for finding Laxus. So what?" he asked.

She could only chuckle and laid her head on his chest. Oh, who were they fooling? Like they could keep a secret to save their lives. Besides, Evergreen and Laxus already knew, and holding Bickslow sure felt good. Even his babies were crowding around them, and she was just as happy to have them pressing against her as the Seith wizard.

At this rate their secret wouldn't last, and everyone would find out before too much longer. Still, as she hugged him back just as tightly in the broad daylight were the most important people to him could see the two of them right out, she'd never felt so special to anyone in her entire life. Maybe it would spell the end for them eventually and things would change again, separating them when the guild realized what they'd been doing. After all, nothing in this world remained the same for long.

In this one moment though, somehow she just didn't want to let him go for anything.

End of Chapter 12

Aww, you got to love the mushy emotional stuff, and I've been wanting to bring Laxus back in for a while. Still, don't expect too much from the Key of the Starry Sky arc. I'll be mostly skimming over it. In fact, the story will be going all the way into the Grand Magic Game arc where it will reach it's conclusion. Don't worry though, there will still be plenty of chapters to get through.