Woop! Good Morning or Afternoon! Maybe even night... But I couldn't wait to update. I had several questions about this FanFic, and let me tell you... You're just going to have to wait and read to find your answer.

I don't think it's confusing at all(: I love the positive reviews!

Excuse any grammatical and spelling errors!

Anyways, enjoy!

Hiro Mashima owns Fairy Tail!

Rated M for Language

Chapter 2: Baka

Natsu's back was aching along side with his arms and shoulders. The heating sensation was doing him no good and it hurt just to stand up straight. He'd usually feel like god when he walked in flames, but his skin was peeling from it and it made him feel like shit. He couldn't even sit down comfortably, he was always on the edge of his seat. And sleeping was a whole other story. He almost resorted to standing while sleeping, or making Happy carry him while he slept. And Gajeel was making it all the worse by slapping his back or punching his arm almost every 3 minutes. He would have punched him back if his skin didn't feel like sunburn, but for now he'd have to hold it in. All that mattered now was that he was finally coming home.

"I'm so excited to see everyone again!" Natsu wanted to pump his fist in excitement but only found himself gritting his teeth from trying.

Smack! Gajeel's heavy hand landed on Natsu's shoulder blades, he made a "Gihi" then laughed out loud from the look on Natsu's cringing face. It was amusing just to watch Natsu jump over a volcano and get his skin burnt, but it was even better just to see him lash out from the pain. Gajeel had warned him that Igneel wouldn't be in a volcano. And because of his stupidity and not being able to listen, Erza had punished him by forbidding Wendy to heal the poor fireball.

"Just wait till i'm all better." Natsu yelled into Gajeel's ear, the Iron Dragon Slayer not even flinching or whipping his head to see Natsu, "Yea, yea. When we get home your girlfriend can mend you."

Natsu felt his stomach churn and insides stir, he let a small blush tint his cheeks, thankful that his now peachy, sunburnt skin hid it, "L-Lucy is not my girlfriend!"

He stopped walking and made a scowl towards Gajeel. His black hair was swishing which Natsu thought was too long. Freed's hair was too long as well, but he had always thought it looked weird on Gajeel. He wanted to snicker at the sight of Gajeel's back, if he squinted, he would have thought Gajeel was a manly woman.

Gajeel stopped and placed a small smirk on his face. It wasn't friendly, nor was it warming, but frightening and menacing, maybe just a little playful. It scared him, "I was talking about Lisanna, but okay, Natsu."

"H-Hey!" Natsu started walking again, this time knowing his face was completely red. Why did he say Lucy? Maybe it was because he was concerned of her these whole 2 years out. She was probably beyond pissed and he didn't like it when Lucy was mad. It was another Mirajane without the satan form. Or another Erza, without the swords and armor. Just plain Angry Lucy. It scared the shit out of everyone and anyone. All he knew was that he had to apologize and pray to Mavis that she would eventually forgive him. That's if… she's there. She was Lucy and knowing Lucy without half of Team Natsu, she would surely leave until their return. He could only hope that Makarov had forced some person to have her as a burden. No. Lucy isn't a burden, and he had to keep reminding himself that before he said it out loud. He loved coming to Lucy's rescue and he hated to see her so hurt if someone called her weak or useless. Sure she hides behind her spirits, but she's strong willed, and that's all that counts, right? Maybe Gray had ushered her to stay or actually stayed by her side the whole time. It's Gray, he'd never leave Lucy.

Smack! Gajeel had punched his arm again, breaking him from thought. Natsu could hear Wendy giggle uncontrollably but stopped as Natsu eyed her. She gave a sheepish smile and waved awkwardly. He looked back at the Iron Dragon Slayer and glared. Gajeel had another smile on his face, this time showing teeth and closing his eyes. He had his fist up next to his chin as if he just accomplished something, "That was softer than the other ones and maybe the last. Don't flatter yourself, fireball."

Natsu let his features soften, finally relaxing his peeling skin. Gajeel had been almost, almost like a brother to Natsu throughout these 2 years of traveling. He was somewhat nice in his own ways and really caring if you look at his actions close enough. Other than that he was completely idiotic and careless. And if you watch him in his normal facade he was a real dueschbag with no care in the world who he hurts. Because of this they ended up bickering at least once an hour. It was fun fighting the Iron Dragon Slayer. He was stronger and could endure more than Gray would. The fights always made Natsu think about the Ice-Princess.

Erza had stopped them with her hands on her hips she muttered quietly, "I swear you guys are worse than Natsu and Gray before…." Of course this didn't go unnoticed, both Dragon Slayers had incredible hearing. Erza stopped muttering to herself and glanced behind her shoulders, this caused the both of them to cringe and stand straight back up, "Master probably knows we are here. I sent message when we were at the train station."

Yea, standing straight back up wasn't a good idea. At least for Natsu.

They kept walking for what seemed like an hour. Natsu's excitement ushered him to run but the pain he was feeling wouldn't let him budge any farther without the pace of Happy's slow flying. The guild was finally in sight and the building started to tower as they got closer. Natsu could feel his insides jitter with joy and his face plastering into a large smile. Would everyone still be the same? Would there be new members? Oh Mavis he was about to explode.

"Stop." Erza halted all of them, Natsu wanted to yell at her for making them stop but obviously knew he wasn't going to go anywhere with Titania ordering. She looked back at them then patted Wendy's head. She then placed a shoulder on Natsu - which again, made him cringe and let out a groan - then only stared at Gajeel, "After 2 years of traveling with you guys, I want you to know, I am not disappointed that we concluded to finding nothing. I'm very proud to actually watch you guys grow and become stronger. Almost stronger than me." She quirked her eyebrows as she said "almost", then smiled at them, "Thank you for letting me on this wonderful journey. Maybe next time we go, we'll actually find them. And I won't stop till we do." She only got a nodded response from Natsu. A hug from Wendy, which she surprisingly took to her advantage and swung the little Dragon Slayer around. And if Natsu was correct, he could hear Gajeel silently mutter the words, "Thank You" in embarrassment. Gajeel earned a smile from Natsu and only glared at him like he was retarded.

The guild doors to Fairy Tail was just right there in arms reach, and the Lost Team was standing, shoulder to shoulder as if waiting for someone to open the door for them. Everyone was in there, probably brawling with Gray or drinking with Cana. The Strauss' were behind the bar most likely. Maybe even a few were out on a job, but his family was in there. And Lucy was inside, waiting for him. Oh, boy. He knew he was in for it, big time.

Erza let out a sigh, "S-So, should I pose like a hero, or?" Her hands were on her hips and a nervous, sheepish smile was painted on her face, "L-Like this?"

"That's perfect." Wendy's voice was soft but loud as she chuckled at the ex-equip mage, "Ne… Let's just go inside. I can't wait to see Romeo again and Lucy."

"Dammit, people. Just get your asses in there." Gajeel kicked the guild doors open and went to his regular facade. The guild hall went quiet as everyone stared at the Lost Team.

"Natsu!" Lisanna's voice rung in Natsu's ears. He watched as she ran across the guild hall from the bar. Her blue eyes were sparkling and Natsu felt something warm clench in his chest, it poked his rib cage and let a smile creep to his face. The warmth wasn't the sunburn warmth, but the warmth that felt good in his insides. Damn, it felt so good to see Lisanna's face again, along with the other guild members who decided to scream, shout, whistle, applaud, and even crowd the Lost Team.

It felt so good to be back home.

Gajeel cocked an eyebrow as he looked up at the 2nd floor that served as an indoor balcony. Was that Lucy? He saw Lucy. Standing next to Laxus and Bickslow. Why was she there? They were so close to her, only an inch away, but shit, she looked good. Her blonde hair was down and it seemed wavy rather than the normal straight and there was no more stupid side ponytail, it was actually longer. Her face wasn't smiling or laughing. Not even crying in joy. It was more, serious and unloving? She had on what seemed like a tight fit yellow t-shirt and boy was it doing her chest justice. And the leather short shorts that cupped her upper thighs were doing her nice too. But her face. Her keys were jingling as she breathed. Her whip tucked on her right side of the belt, all the more to be se- No, he couldn't think that. But, why was she standing so close to Bickslow, screw Bickslow, he meant Laxus Dreyar. Gajeel knew Laxus had the hots for Bunny Girl since the Phantom crap, but why in the hell was he poking her forehead? Plus that was years ago. He'd never seen him so close to her before other than the time Evergreen had turned her into stone. Also, years ago. What the fuck did he miss?

By staring at Lucy, he followed her eyes and met Natsu's face. He was still smiling, yet biting down hard on his own teeth from Lisanna hugging him. The youngest takeover mage wouldn't let go of him and he could tell Natsu was gritting from the pain brought by the body contact. Of course the idiot wouldn't show it.

Cute.

Gajeel snapped his head back at Lucy, she was now staring at him. Her brown eyes lingered on every part of his body and it sent him chills. He could tell his eye gazing had made her shiver, for her eyes had a sensual tint. Not sensual, but maybe a dull sparkle. Was she excited to see them? Gajeel traced her hands with his sight, she was clenching onto the railings rather hard and her chest started to rise and fall slowly. As soon as she averted her eyes back to Natsu, he smirked at her.

But why wasn't she down here? He sniffed for a familiar scent that was rather clouded? Then huffed, the crowd around him filled with Fairy Tail members was making him sick and feel a little claustrophobic. He shrugged his shoulders to himself and pushed people away, he only gave his regular glare facade and had people avoiding him again in no time. He looked up again at Lucy who was now backing away. Something felt wrong. She wasn't down there being bubbly or smiling warmly. She wasn't down there in Natsu's arms. Or giving Erza the biggest hug. And kissing Wendy's head. Maybe even having her punch his shoulder and him returning a scowl. Even though he liked the touch if were only a mere second. Damn him to hell if he thought of her like that again, she's Levy's best friend and he-

Another thought he couldn't think of as he looked at the couple in front of him. They didn't notice his presence. Gajeel couldn't understand why they wouldn't notice. The Lost Team just came back from a job that lasted 2 years and they didn't even acknowledge it. That was selfish and what in the actual fuck… "Levy." He quietly whispered.

Orange hair was spiked into a ponytail, his arms were crossed as he leaned against the bar counter with blue hair swept back with a headband was on a bar stool, with no Mirajane. All the reason to be able to share a secret conversation, or in Gajeel's case, maybe get mad? She had her hand wrapped around his bicep and she was musing to his smile. She opened her eyes to look at Jet. His gaze darted somewhere else, "Jet." Her voice was so soft and touching. And the way she said his name almost broke Gajeel. He felt a rush of distraught poor into him almost making him frown and hang his head down.

Jet's face was solid and almost pale, she followed his direction and rested her eyes on the Iron Dragon Slayer. "G-Gajeel!" Her voice didn't sound the way it sounded whenever she'd say his name 2 years ago. It wasn't warming or loving, or caring. It sounded cold and frightened as she stared at Gajeel. He watched as her hand tightened on Jet's bicep and he could hear her breath quickening as she gritted her teeth. He took a deep breath and nearly winced at the smell of Jet all over her.

"Didn't see you come back." Jet said it through his teeth with a raspy voice. Gajeel wanted to laugh at the slim mans reaction, but only let out a low growl. It rumbled at the back of his throat as he stood straight. He unclenched the fist he didn't know he had made and kept his eyes on Levy. Her mouth was open in awe, maybe in shock, but he didn't seem to care. Gajeel let out a 'Tch' and sighed loudly, "The crowd shouting and applauding our names didn't bring ya enough attention?"

Jet opened his mouth to say something but only was interrupted by Levy, "Gajeel." Her voice sounded like there was more confidence, maybe even stern. The voice she made when ever Gajeel would annoy her while she was reading or maybe whenever he poked her back while she almost fell asleep. Gajeel only stared at her, his red eyes didn't say anything and in fact, he, couldn't say anything. Did they even properly say good bye?

"Gajeel!" Gajeel almost snapped his neck from the familiar voice he had been waiting for all morning. He had sat on a separate bench away from Natsu, Erza, Wendy, and the exceeds for this reason. He had nearly felt himself dying just waiting for her. "Levy." Gajeel spoke quietly as he watched the bluenette run towards him. He stood up from his seat and had his arms opened wide for her.

A bright smile was on her face as she finally joined the Iron Dragon Slayer. He engulfed her into a hug tightly. His face was buried in her hair as she wrapped her petite arms around his neck. He could smell the salty tears that was soon falling on his shoulder. He wanted to cry, but he knew it was only another excuse for him to make him not go. He had to be strong for her, so she wouldn't force him to stay. Gajeel wanted her to know how much he wanted and needed to.

He slowly and softly ripped her away, still having his hands on her back and her legs wrapped around his waist. She was so delicate and pretty, she was so… Levy. Her eyes were starting to get puffy and she was sniffing in snot too hard it almost made Gajeel chuckle. And this was the only public display of affection he had allowed her.

"Don't be a bastard, Gajeel," Her voice was breaking as she gasped for air through her words, she started huffing and puffing as she wiped her tears away and stared at Gajeel, "Kiss me, baka."

Before he could even respond, her soft lips were over his. He froze at first from the public display but relaxed as he cupped her cheek, wiping away a single tear with his thumb from her face and still had one hand supporting her back. He deepened the kiss and closed his eyes. He was feeling tingly inside as their lips continued to mash. He wanted to keep going but he couldn't help but pull away and reach for air.

She was now smiling at him with tears still flowing, she ruffled his hair like he would do to her and kissed his nose. Gajeel hugged her once more. A bitter hug he felt like would be the last and the kiss that ended too fast. He put her down, still hugging her.

"You're going to miss the train…" She let go of him and it seemed and felt so improper. This time she wasn't the one who held on last. Maybe she saw the need in him that said he needed to go?

Gajeel only nodded and wrapped his fingers around hers. He heard her give a small giggle as he rubbed circles on her hand. She walked him to the others and let go suddenly as he entered the train, no pulling or tugging, "Good-"

"No good byes', Levy…" Gajeel didn't mean to say it but only thought it. He pleaded with his eyes anyway and watched as her expression turned from sad to shocked then sad again, "Please…"

"Okay…" She twiddled her fingers then looked back at him with an idea, "I'll see you later, take care… I l-"

The train door closed in front of Gajeel. Distraught suddenly filled him again, the train started moving and he completely ignored the motion sickness he was feeling. Was she going to say…? Gajeel shook his head and sat down furiously, he wanted to hear her say it. Even if it was the first time she was going to say it, first. Instead of him saying it, he wanted to hear it from her end. He gritted his teeth and touched his lips, the softness of her mouth was still lingering on his. He sniffed deeply and let out a large breath.

"A-Are you crying?" Natsu leaned in close to the Iron Dragon Slayer, causing him to turn away. He pushed the fireball out of the seat, "N-No!"

Gajeel shook himself mentally. Of course not. So, was this considered a form of cheating? He growled again in frustration, the last thing he needed was his girlfriend - supposedly - to be cheating. At least he thought it was. He looked at the Jet then back at Levy for the last time. He let out another 'Tch' and couldn't even look at them anymore. Disgust and depression only filled him, and he didn't even know if that was Levy. All he did know was that he wanted her to hug him and sing in joy for his return. Maybe even drown him in kisses the way she used to do whenever he came back from a two day job. He shook his head from the thought and turned around, "Gajeel." He heard again. He pushed back the anger and betrayal he felt and pulled himself away from tearing the fur lined coat Jet was wearing and wiping away that show off of an ass's smirk from his face.

He traced his way to the back of the guild and sat down at an empty table the shadows swallowed. Gajeel had only came to the thought that things did change over the 2 years and he couldn't expect them not to.

"L-Lisanna." Natsu whispered in pain as he watched the Iron Dragon Slayer escape from the crowd of Fairy Tail members. His back was almost arching in pain as Lisanna continued to hug him tightly. He didn't want to be rude and shove Lisanna like he would usually do, but he had to get her off one way, "Lisanna." He grunted again this time placing his hands on her shoulders.

She opened her eyes with the smile still on her face and slightly tilted her head, "Natsu?"

"I need to go look for Lucy." He quickly spurted out as he pushed her away softly. Knowing that Lisanna would surely be curious, maybe even mad at him for saying that. Natsu dashed out of the crowd almost feeling claustrophobic as the members patted his back - yes, making him cringe in pain - and made him say "Hi" or "I missed you too!" through his teeth. He gasped in relief in what seemed like an hour of holding his breath as he left the crowd with Erza and Wendy. Happy was not in his sight but that didn't matter right now. He need to look for Lucy.

"Mirajane!" Natsu wanted to wave his hand but couldn't. He looked at the Takeover mage and smiled sheepishly. Mirajane never failed to keep such a soft look on her face, "Natsu! You have no idea how happy I am to see you!"

She was about to caress him into a rather large hug but stopped in front of, her face went blank for a couple of seconds. Mirajane poked Natsu's peachy skin that was now peeling over his nose. He flinched at the sudden pain. It felt like two thousand needles had just stabbed his bride, "You should take a bath in milk for that nasty sun burn."

"It's not sunburn it's-" He shook his head and placed his hands on the barmaid's arms, "Milk helps…? Agh, never mind that! Where's Lucy, I need to see her."

Mirajane opened her mouth but was only halted when she saw a fist land on Natsu's cheek. In a matter of seconds he was being throw across the guild hall, slamming harshly on the wall as he caught the attention of everyone.

Natsu yelled loudly from the pain as his skin stung in all kinds of places.

"That's for leaving me for two years." A deep voice sounded and brought a certain ring to Natsu. It brought him another warm feeling as he lay on the floor. The icy tingle on his cheek only made him smile more, oh he he missed the icicle touch of pain from his royal, Ice- Princess.

Natsu was grabbed by his scarf and chucked up into the air, his feet only a couple inches from the ground as a certain Ice Mage gritted his teeth and stared into Natsu's charcoal eyes with anger.

"Hey, do that ice punch thing again! I-It felt good on my skin." Natsu smiled and laughed as he got punched again into a table. The frost on his right hand started to crawl to his shoulders, coating it in ice. He shivered at the sudden sensation and sighed in relief. In 2 weeks his skin has never so good.

"You're fucking weird, ya know that?" Gray walked up and extended his hand out with in his pocket, his lips were pursed and his eyes looked relieved. Natsu took his hand and only smiled at Gray. He never thought he would have missed this beating in so long.

"Reunited and it feels so good, huh?" Natsu scratched the back of his neck with his icy hand and chuckled. Gray only glared at him and shook his, bring his palm up and smacking his face, "Baka… I can't believe you."

"O-Oi… Gray."

"What?"

"Where's Lucy?" Natsu watched as Gray's expression changed drastically. He had his head down and both hands in his pockets now, he looked away, his head gesturing towards the second floor. Was he trying to say something? The second floor wasn't for Lucy, she wasn't-

The blonde peered over the balcony, her hand on the hem of her shorts and the other playing with her hair. Natsu made direct eye contact at her, she wasn't smiling. And why wasn't she down here? "Lucy!" He called out. Was that- Another blonde grabbed her by the pit of her elbows, pulling her away from sight with the help of Bickslow? Why was Bickslow there? Wait, no, forget Bickslow, but Laxus Dreyar?

"What just happened?" Natsu whispered lowly as he stared at the three walking away from view. What was she doing up there? And why wasn't she next to Gray, or Levy? "What's happened when I was gone?"

"A lot, Natssu…"

"Lucy!" Natsu's voice was etched with curiosity and maybe excitement. Lucy only continued to play with the hem of her shorts and twirl her hair. She wanted to say something, but anger and frustration only filled her again. Seeing Natsu's face made her want to scream or shout at him. Why was the pain feeling so unbearable now? She couldn't stand to look at him any longer before she had the urge to run up to the Dragon Slayer and displace his shoulder sockets. And she knew Laxus saw the glint in her eyes for he grabbed her by the elbow pit and pulled her away. Lucy still kept her eyes on Natsu, from the corner of her eyes she saw Laxus nod his head to Bickslow and soon both of them were pulling her away.

"Take me home." Was all Lucy could say. She started to hate the heat that was radiating so far from Natsu's body and she couldn't stand the eye gazing she was getting from the others. She was so glad Erza-

"Lucy." She spoke too soon.

Erza wasn't standing at the guild hall doors anymore. She had one hand on her hip and she was staring intently on Lucy. Lucy had the sudden urge to run up to her and give her the biggest hug Erza hadn't acquired yet. She let her face soften into a warm smile and she could tell she surprised Laxus. He let go of her and shoved her rather too hard towards the Titania.

Erza had relaxed her body as she took in Lucy for a hug. She gripped onto Lucy's shoulder and let her face bury into her hair. Warm tears started to fall onto Lucy and Lucy just continued to smile. The longing she was feeling was finally filled and the anger she received as she stared at Natsu was gone, "I'm so sorry." Erza's voice was rough and low as it whimpered for air. She was so vulnerable and soft in Lucy's arms. Lucy only stroked the soft skin on the back of Erza's neck. Not saying a word.

Laxus ran his hand through his hair and followed Lucy. The girl was practically humming and sparkling with happiness. After he waited for Lucy with Bickslow for an hour, he was kind of scared to what Erza had said to her. The girls talked forever and he was only hoping Lucy hasn't broke. He was actually surprised she didn't ask to stay longer. He didn't question it, he would have probably gained reason being "Natsu is there." or "I just want to go home." Maybe even a "Erza is tired."

He shrugged and put his hands in his pockets. Laxus glanced over to Bickslow who was staring contently at her ass. He shook his head at him but he didn't seem to notice. Instead, Laxus decided to stare as well. Her curvaceous physique swayed as she skipped along the side of the river channel. She didn't walk on the edge anymore due to how Laxus had pushed her off for being careless. He smirked at his own action and continued to stare. Her cheeks were falling out of the short shorts and he knew she didn't know. He grunted and rolled his eyes as walked faster to reach for the hem of Lucy's shorts. For the sake of Bickslow thoughts and Lucy's cold butt cheeks, he slightly pulled down the clothing.

Laxus let go and continued at his regular pace, earning no scowl from Lucy, but only another small smile. She let Bickslow slap her ass and Laxus pull down her shorts a little? The world must be ending.

Bickslow punched Laxus's shoulder and quirked an eye brow. Giving an expression as to how Lucy let him go so easy. Laxus only shrugged again and nearly laughed at Bickslow's remark, "Man, how?" With the Dragon Slayers coming home, there was definitely something making her mind spin.

"Thought you were mad?" Laxus closed his bedroom door after walking Bickslow out. The man wouldn't shut up about teasing him ever since Lucy decided to sleep over. She did it nearly every day and Laxus knew Bickslow was only seeping with jealousy. The last time Lucy took a nap with Bickslow only caused her to break a knuckle along with Bickslow's nose.

She shrugged and sat on the bed, removing her shoes, then her shorts, then unclasping her bra till she was only visible in underwear and her yellow shirt, "I am… Severely."

Laxus slipped off his shoes and threw his jacket onto the nearby chair. He propped himself onto his back and rested his hands behind his head. He was used to Lucy's undressing and it never seemed to bother him. It actually did nothing and he was scared at the thought that he might have been gay when a girl as attractive and sexy as her was in his bed. Of course, Lucy never did anything to him but maybe hug him in her sleep. But that was all and Laxus wasn't even bothered. Sure he had many other people on his list on personal space, but the girl somehow removed herself from it. And the feeling when he got as he hugged her back was almost… Love?

"But you know, Laxus…" Lucy was in the fetus position as he knee dug into his side. She had swept her blonde hair into what she called a "messy bun" and was now staring at her wiggling toes. The sight of her so innocent and pure made him tingle a little inside. He shifted his position so he was now laying on his side, staring at the blonde who had a pained look, "What?"

"I'm hurting…" He heard her sniff and oh no, please don't cry, "My chest feels heavy and… Why would they just leave me? I could have been a big help too, right?"

Something pinched at his heart, causing him to wince as he watched the poor Celestial Mage cry. She had cried many times before, but this time she was fighting the tears that slowly fell on her face. He reached out to her face with no conscious and tucked a strand of hair that fell behind her ear. He rested his palm on her cheek and felt her shudder. Her breathing was uneasy as her whole body rose and fell, "Stop it. I don't have ice cream."

Laxus heard her give off a small giggle and he relaxed again from his tense position he hadn't noticed. Her crying came to a slow halt and she was now breathing steadily. Her body rested closely to Laxus's and he could feel her ample chest rest against his pecks. Her soft, cold hand suddenly traced the scar over his right eyes. He gained goosebumps from this and felt her breath against his chin. He only relaxed and placed his hand over her waist and closed his eyes, "Rest."

How was it? Reviews are encouraged!

I might update later again today, if not, that I surely will tomorrow!

Ciao, till next time!

- Crishalee