Okay, I finally finished this one. I was overly excited from the reviews and views.

The point of views switch on and off of each character, but i'm pretty sure it's easy to follow if you maybe take the time to reread the paragraph, sorry! Other than that it should be okay.

Excuse any grammatical and spelling errors.

Anyways, enjoy!

Rated M for Language

Chapter 3: Broken

Natsu walked slowly towards Master's office, his head back and his hands behind it. Lucy, an S-Class mage? In the Thunder God Tribe? What the hell was going on? And Gray didn't even do anything. It only meant Lucy was stronger. And if she was partners with Laxus and Bickslow… She was surely to be at the same height of strength as them. Natsu felt his blood boil from emotions, not the skin. He felt his veins pumping quickly and a surge of excitement rushed in him. He was going to ask Lucy to spar. Was he stupid? He didn't even apologize to Lucy yet and she was probably still mad at him. If he found her and asked her to spar then he would probably get beaten badly from the anger Lucy maybe felt.

Natsu shook his head in frustration and found himself opening the door rather roughly to Makarov's office, "Natsu!" The small man was sitting in an awfully large chair with a smile plastered on his face. He looked creepy and the old man sent him chills. Absolutely not in a good way, "My child! I am so glad to see you back in one piece."

Makarov's hand turned large as it smacked Natsu, not caring that the fireball had heaved into his bookshelves. Natsu only cringed and gritted his teeth from the pain. He got up slowly a darted for the question, "What happened to Lucy?"

Makarov's opened his eyes and blinked, "Lucy? What about her?"

"She didn't say hi or… Greet anyone from the team when we returned, what happened to Lucy?"

The guild master sighed and shook his head slowly, "A lot happens in two years when you're gone, isn't there, Natsu?"

Makarov waited for an answer but was only responded by Natsu's slow breathing and blinking, "I had no choice, Natsu. I didn't want her to leave Fairy Tail."

Natsu had winced from the answer. He knew Lucy would at least try. Instead of Gray having her stop, Makarov did it instead. And Gray, man Gray just let her slip through his fingers and watched her join the Thunder God Tribe. What was wrong with everyone in the guild? Cana wasn't drink heaves, instead she was flirting sober with Bacchus? What does that make Cana? And Elfman was always out with Evergreen? And Levy wasn't talking to Gajeel? She was making goggly eyes at Jet? What in Mavis's name happened?

"This is crazy." Natsu whispered under his breath. It wasn't crazy to everyone, but it was crazy to him. Lucy partners with Laxus?

"Life is crazy, Natsu. I made Laxus take her under his wing and it was probably the best thing that happened to Lucy… Natsu… Lucy is stronger than she ever was, she doesn't even have to try anymore when she brawls with Bickslow. And whenever she does join a guild fight, nearly half of them end up in the infirmary. Because of her we rarely have to pay for repairs or damages out on jobs. She has completely taken things in her hands when you guys were gone." Makarov sighed and paced the room, "Can you believe Gray let her go? They were such an easy going couple until she decided to leave Fairy Tail. Man, I shipped them hard."

Natsu cringed from the word couple. Gray and Lucy? He suppressed a growl. Gray had some major explaining, the Ice Mage had definitely left that part out.

"But what about Laxus?"

"Laxus and Lucy? Sure they'd make cute grandchildren, but Lucy and Gray…" Makarov looked at Natsu, his piercing gaze was upset, "Oh… I have a feeling that wasn't your question… But… Ah…"

He stood still on top of the desk, still looking up as he stared at the Dragon Slayer. He looked as if he was at lost of words. It wasn't so bad that Lucy was now partners with Laxus, right? The duo was separable but always seemed to find their ways back to each other. Makarov sighed in defeat, Gray was a nice fellow too, "Laxus has taken good care of Lucy, Natsu… Please… Rest up, I'm sure The Strauss' have decided on throwing party for your guys' arrival… You are dismissed."

"1… 2… 3…" The morning sunlight stung a bit but Lucy had closed her eyes to manage. She furrowed her eyebrows at the brightness as it draped over her. A layer of sweat covered her body as a towel wrapped around her neck. Her tank top had clung onto her as the sticky liquid dripped on her body. The spandex short shorts rose every time she sat down to complete a squat. She felt the heat rising in her body from the frustration that came back to her, "9… 10… 11…"

She couldn't wipe Natsu's face away from her memory. The look of shock and disapproval as he yelled out her name. He had spotted her on the second floor with Laxus and Bickslow. She yearned to see his face again a year ago, now she can't help but want to wipe it off the surface of the world. She furrowed her eyebrows more and felt a crease between them. If she kept this up then she'd surely have an ugly wrinkle like Laxus said.

She squatted down continuously, not even sure what number she was on. She let out a frustrating yell and kicked at the dirt. Lucy then got down into a push up position for two minutes planks. She stared as the dirt started to cling to her sweaty arms. She felt her stomach ripping and her legs shaking as she continued to hold down her plank. The heat was starting to become more hot and she still had Natsu implanted in her head. She was more concerned of him rather than Gajeel, Wendy, and Erza. Nastu, her best friend, out of all people decided to leave her for two years? Two damn straight years? She winced as she felt tears start to feel her eyes. She leaned on her right side and rubbed her face with her left hand. But, he's back now, right? And everything should have felt fine, but it didn't. Everything was suppose to be back to normal, but it wasn't. Everyone felt so distant and she only relied on Laxus, Bickslow, and Freed, The Thunder God Tribe. She felt her tears threatening to burst out. She finally sat up on her knees and rubbed both her eyes. Frustration lead her to working out and soon enough she'll need somebody to punch.

"You can come out now." Lucy murmured.

Laxus watched as Lucy rubbed her tears away. She sat up in sweat and dirt and finally stood back up. He could see her eye brows furrowing more as she thought. Her lips started to purse in annoyance and she muttered, "You can come out now."

Laxus smirked to himself as he stepped out from the side of the house. Lucy was covered in a sheen of sweat as dirt was brushed on her knees and arms. She continued to dip down in a squat as her bottom poked out. Her calf and leg muscles showed as she squatted, her arms no longer needed to flex to show how slightly toned they were and her tummy was flat as ever. She grabbed the bottom of her tank to wipe her face free of sweat, the girl had a slight V that showed and her hips bones were out as well as her collar bones. Her sports bra was black and she tried to force a smile at Laxus, "You're up early, Lucy."

She shrugged and took a sip of her water bottle, "You too."

He grunted and placed his hands in his maroon pockets, "It's cause you left."

Lucy wasn't sure if she should take it as a compliment or forcefully make herself blush, so she just quirked an awkward smile and continued drinking her water. She only knew Laxus's on and off flirting was for his amusement and if he'd ever get it going on, he'd act weird or leave the room.

She took her towel and put it on top of her head, she began doing a couple of stretches, "What are you doing out here?"

Laxus only shrugged and titled his head. The look of Lucy tired and worn out from exercising was quite appealing, plus with her stretching, she was a view, "Looking for you."

Lucy stopped her stretching and looked up at Laxus for a couple of seconds. He stood in a sleeveless black tank that outlined his abs and pecks. It was tucked into his maroon pants with his hands in his pockets, he slouched down a little and leaned against the house wall. He returned a glanced and raised an eyebrow. She averted her eyes and continued stretching.

Laxus noticed her staring and gave out one small chuckle, "Not hungry?"

"No." She obviously lied. She didn't feel like eating though her stomach was growling through her flesh. She could only hope-

Grrgl.

She felt her face blush as she clutched her belly. Damn her stomach.

"If you're going to lie, at least make sure everything is going to cooperate." Laxus only turned around on his heel and waved for her to follow. Lucy smiled, she wouldn't know what she would have been if Makarov didn't force her under Laxus's wing. Struggling through the first days or weeks maybe even the first month with Laxus and the Thunder God Tribe was the worst days of her life. But after having the patience and slowly progressing, Laxus had opened up a whole new different person towards her.

Laxus opened the door for her and watched as she unconsciously swayed her hips inside. She started to peel away her clothes, one by one as she talked, "I think I should shower first." Laxus only followed calmly with his hands in his pockets as Lucy walked towards the bathroom. She was now in her underwear, she turned around.

Lucy didn't even care if she was half naked facing Laxus. Laxus's dull facial expression only showed that he didn't give one flying fadoodle. He didn't stare intently and only kept his eyes on hers. He didn't make her feel self-conscious and if she was, he'd always make her feel pretty, even if his voice was monotone, "Do we have to go to the guild?"

Laxus shrugged and grunted, walking pass half-naked Lucy and opening the bathroom door. He flicked the lights on and walked out, shoving Lucy inside and closing the door behind her, she cooperated not hesitating, "We need to. There's a party." He turned around and picked up her clothes.

The first time she had dressed unwillingly was when she was drunk. She resorted to drinking that night after Laxus had said he had given up on her and he accidentally blurted that she was useless on Team Natsu. He found her with Cana drinking at least by the gallons and was forced to take her home by Mirajane. He argued till Lucy was in his arms sound asleep. Once he had put her in bed she started to strip. Little did he know the girl was sober and suffering from a sudden hot flash of being drunk. It was then when she said she had noticed it was okay. It took her a couple months, but now it was a gift. The sight of her amused him more and Lucy had no idea.

He was thankful that Lucy didn't try to smash his groin or break his face every time he did happen to stare. The blonde could put up a fight.

He threw the cloths into a nearby pile with the rest of her dirty clothes and laid back in bed. Falling into a slumber.

Gajeel stared at the metal bolts and screws on his plate, his appetite slowly died and so did his heart. The face of Levy was something he couldn't stop thinking about, maybe he was dreaming? Gajeel pinched himself and let out a growl. He wasn't dreaming.

He felt like smashing the counter beneath his hand, but he didn't. After the countless smashing and wrecking during the two year trip with Erza on his back, the man was terribly paranoid, that she'd come out of no where and smack the back of his head or quickly ex-equip into something he didn't like. Goose bumps crawled down his spine as he looked around the guild hall. No Erza. He huffed then sighed out, he still couldn't bring himself to do it. After all, bad habits die hard. Silly him.

Familiar steps made him shudder and the scent filled his nostrils. He wanted to glance over his shoulder to make sure, but he was sure of it.

"No job today?" Mirajane looked up as she cleaned a mug with a dry cloth.

The blonde shook her head and gave something to Mirajane that Gajeel had surprisingly been waiting for ever since he saw Lucy. A smile. Her eyes weren't dull and her face wasn't washed with hatred. Her hair was wet, hanging loosely on her shoulders and he tank top was soaked on her shoulders. Her shorts were longer than yesterday and her whip wasn't with her, "Not today. Laxus told me about a party tonight?"

Ah, that's right, Laxus. Gajeel almost forgot that she was hanging out with Laxus and Bickslow. The thought was pushed aside ever since his encounter with Levy. It came back to him and you know what they say, curiosity killed the cat-

"Speaking of Laxus, where is he?"

"Sleeping. Half our team is out." She sipped her regular drink and flicked her hair towards Gajeel. She knew he was listening, she could tell by the way he crossed his arms, closed his eyes and looked down whenever he was concentrating on something, idiot.

-and satisfaction brought him back.

Our team? Lucy? Bunny Girl? Was part of The Thunder God Tribe? He opened his eyes, almost choking on his own saliva, what the fuck did he actually miss? There was no way she was strong enough to-

"Ah, i'm proud of you Lucy-chan. You've gotten so much stronger."

- that's unless she did get stronger. He gritted his teeth but let a menacing smile creep onto his face. He felt a sudden urge to ask her to brawl. Dear Mavis, he started to sound like Natsu. Being the only guy to hang out with for two years really made you go crazy. He almost sounded like the dip shit.

Lucy could feel the vibes coming off from Gajeel's body languages. The way he clenched his fists onto the counter when he heard Mirajane say she had gotten stronger. And the gritting of his teeth when he placed on a creepy smile. She felt a jolt in her body that made her stand. She walked without conscious like she regularly did and smacked her hand next to Gajeel's plate. She bit her lower lip and made a 'Tch.'

Gajeel turned her head to see Lucy with her hand on her hip a leaning on one of her arms. He was almost startled by her, he didn't even hear or smell her coming close. There was no way. He was just too caught up in thinking.

Mirajane spoke quietly, "Take it outside, Lucy…"

Gajeel shivered at the word, outside. He snickered. Bunny Girl had challenged him before he even got a word. She was fucking crazy.

Gajeel watched as Lucy rolled her shoulders. He stood about 10 feet away from her on the training yard. The dirt skidded and the wind blew it in Lucy's direction. Since when did she have the balls to even start a brawl? Especially with himself? Just exactly how much did he miss? He looked at the bleachers to his left and watched as they were quickly filled with other members. He even spotted, Makarov. Was she that good? He snapped his head back to Lucy who was now taking off what seemed like weights from her ankles, she shook both her feet one at a time. Did she have those on the whole time?

"Oi, Lucy, be careful." Gajeel looked at the bleachers again to see Gildarts giving a monotoned cheer. Gildarts? Cheering on Lucy? He gulped and looked at the blonde who was stretching. Her shorts rose up and he felt a swelling in his throat. He tried to gulp again, audibly. "You too Gajeel." Makarov grunted. He didn't need to be careful, did he?

Laxus walked to the Fairy Tail guild doors. His head ached a little and he felt a little angry. Lucy had left her wet towel on the floor again and she forgot to take care of her dirty clothes. He grunted towards the door.

"You too Gajeel." He heard his gramps yell out from the side of the building. He sighed loudly, that only meant one thing, Lucy. Laxus grunted and walked towards the side to see a full crowd. Lucy was on one side and Gajeel was on the other. Of course the blondie wouldn't actually listen to him when he said no brawling. Even if it was just for training, it always lead to someone getting hurt. You're crazy. But he didn't feel scared, not as scared as he was when she had brawled Gildarts. It was nearly a draw but once declared one she had passed out. She would be fine.

Lucy felt a familiar presence and looked to her right. Next to the bleachers was Laxus leaning against the wall. She winced at his glare expecting him to stop her. But he didn't. She froze for a second but decided to give Laxus a warming smile just to piss him off or actually see if he would return one.

He didn't.

"Oi, stop making goggly eyes so we can start already." Gajeel yelled out.

Lucy stomped her foot and pursed her lips in annoyance, she bit the inside of her cheek, "Who is making goggly eyes you baka?!" Gajeel watched as she cupped her hand and raised it to the air, she then slammed it down as if she was holding a whip and-

"Get ready, you ass." Lucy's potty mouth was getting worse out of frustration.

- a whip actually appeared. Did she just summon that from the spirit world? And she didn't even have a sweat drop on her forehead. The last time she tried to do that she nearly passed out. Gajeel heard Laxus snicker. He stared back at the girl who looked too pumped up for her figure. The blonde was tying her wet hair up while biting down onto the handle of the whip.

Gajeel stood back getting ready. He was more excited than when he first achieved an exceed.

Natsu watched as the guild hall was emptied. He questioned it but didn't want to say anything, instead he stayed at the bar with Mirajane. His head was down low and he felt a gloomy presence stick onto. He then smelt wet dog? The after scent when the rain was gone. He felt a pat on his shoulder and he shivered from the pain, mostly because it was cold. The scent couldn't tell if it belonged to Juvia or Gray, because both of them were heavily covered in the scent.

"Natsu-san." It was a small girl voice. Definitely Juvia this time. Her hand was still on his shoulder when he turned to look at her. And he wanted to brush it off, maybe even slap it, but it couldn't be helped. He didn't see the girl in forever, "Juvia."

"Juvia is so happy to see Natsu finally here!" That was right. She wasn't here yesterday to see him yesterday and he was surprised that she even paid him a visit. Or at a mere grip of coincidence, "Juvia would embrace you with a hug, but Gray said your skin was… chaffing?" She said it weirdly as she poked a piece of dead that hung on his arm, she didn't have a face of disgust on, matter of fact she peeled it right off and dispersed it in water, "Gray usually has sun burn when he takes Juvia to the beach, so I don't mind."

Natsu only shivered again. The girl obsessed over Gray was peeling his skin and Natsu found it rather nasty. But that's right. Gray was now with Juvia. Out of desperation, maybe because he felt bad after leaving Lucy? Or maybe he realized they were meant to be together. He shrugged, "It's good to see you doing great."

Juvia responded with a soft smile he had never seen, "Juvia found her happiness. She thinks Natsu should too."

"Uun…" Natsu responded, "Don't worry about me."

"But you're Juvia's friend and Juvia feels something worrying Natsu-san." She smugly replaced her smile as she continued picking at his skin. If she picked more, Natsu would probably throw up.

To avoid the awkward conversation, Natsu quickly changed the subject, "W-Where's Gray?"

"Juvia's love is outside watching Lucy-chan," Natsu's eyes widened at the word Lucy. She didn't call her love rival? She called her, "Lucy-chan"? What in the- But she was outside, "Gray insisted I say hi first before I watch Lucy-chan beat Gajeel-kun."

Lucy? Beat, Gajeel? Kun? What? Natsu didn't question - only mentally - "Outside, huh?"

He felt something soothing and wet on his arm. He looked down to see Juvia placing her palms on Natsu's reddened arm, "Juvia insists a milk bath, this rarely helps but it does take away pain, no?"

Natsu only added. Acknowledging that Juvia had ignored her question. He stood up and grabbed Juvia's wrist, she yelped in surprise as Natsu ran towards the guild exit, "Where are we going, Nastu-san?"

He gave a teethy grin behind his shoulder and continued running, "To watch the brawl."

I'm still working out the kinks for the fighting scene. Trying to make you guys shiver from the hype in the fight.

By the way, is it really a LaLu? Maybe a GraLu? How about a NaLu? What if it was a GaLu? Sorry no BicksLu. Enjoy the suspense maybe?

This was a shorter chapter, but I felt like it said a lot! I wanted to wait till tomorrow, but I couldn't. Just spoiling ya'll now.

Ciao, till next time!

- Crishalee