So...next Tuesday good for you?"

...

" Yeah, yeah, that sounds good."

Sitting awkwardly Lucy and Bix were making arrangements for their next meet up, agreeing to being friends with benefits.

"So are there any rules to this proposition of yours? " Bix asked as he leaned back in his chair streatching his long legs out in front of him. Resting his jaw on his fist his dark blue and black hair still messy from last nights events.

" Just a few. One: no dates or romantic gestures. Two: no feelings are to be involved." She said smoothing her hands along her pants brushing off any imaginary dust. Her clothes were a bit wrinkled from being thrown carelessly around the house last night.

" Dont you think that this freind with benefits thing is a bit risky?" He asked a dull expression on his face as he asked.

" No I think it's perfect, whats wrong with two adults haveing sex , just minus all the mushy shit."she said shrugging her shoulders. Holding his gaze firmly, she didn't want anything serious , after a year of not dating and being out of a long relationship she didnt want anything right away. Just to play for abit.

With an almost bored expression Bickslow nodded in agreement, as he moved to take a stand.

" I've got to get going, im leaving on a mission." He states almost blandly and he moves towards his room to undress.

Lucy sank deeper into the couch, a sigh of relief escaping.' I think I handled that situation rather well. '

Standing up Lucy let her self out of Bickslows apartment.

Closing the door behind her she turned around to leave , her face coming into contact with a hard object. Lucy stumbled a bit surprised.

Warm hands steadied her. Peering down at her were cold blue eyes. Lucy felt a lump in her throat begin to form at the predicament she found herself in.

"..Lucy." his voice was gruff and hoarse when he said her name, a loving lilt to the sound.

Glancing down at the ground lucy gave a nervous chuckle. " Laxus...i-i didn't expect to see you today...here."she said shuffling her feet a bit. This was not a position she wanted to be in.

Emotions flashed across his face, but disappeared just as fast. But the underlying hurt in his eyes was there.

"...I guess I didn't expect to see you here either." He said and stepped away from her turning to leave , obviously not ready to process this information. He'd have to be daft to not put two and two together. He knew what it ment and why she was leaving Bix's place at 6 in the morning. He'd just rather not deal with the thought.

Lucy felt guilty hurting him, that was never her intention, but after the thing with cana it seemed ok, but seeing the hurt on his face... just made it seem wrong.

" Hey...wait,can...can we talk. We can go grab some coffee...I think there's a lot of things ... that need to be out in the open." She said grabbing at the edge of his white button up, halting his departure.

He turned to look at her and with a hesitant pause he agreed , heaving a sigh as he did so. He looked as if he'd just accepted the worse news possible when he agreed to talk with her.

Lucy nodded appreciative at his acceptance.

"We didn't break on bad terms Laxus so why is everything so...weird with you? I feel like I can't talk to you any more." Lucy says, tentatively sipping her coffee.

He looks up at her and rubs his palms over his face and hair .

" because I still care for you, I can't... do this . Talk , look, be near you with out wanting what we had." He says shaking his head

Leaning over the table she lays her hand over his.

" look...I wasn't ready for what you wanted, and the more you brought it up the more I realized I haven't even taken the time to have fun before I settle ..your ready and I'm not. I-I just think that mabey you need to , date other on you know." She said pressing him, if he moved on shed be able to move past this guilt that ate her up inside. The guilt of the fact that she hurt a man she never wanted to leave. But she did. And she was ok with that. Laxus was her first, in everything . She felt she was too young to meet Mr right. And a little part or her knew that when she was ready to settle down he won't be there.

" I have." He said leaning back taking his hand away from hers and crossing his arms over his chest.

Lucy leaned back." I...I mean I know you slept with cana but I didn't know you had started dating."

He started at her confused " I never slept with anyone, not since you. I didn't sleep with cana." He shook his head and stood up.

" look it's been...nice talking but I've got some were to be." He muttered placing a few bills down on the table to pay for the drinks. Turning away he left the cafe shop.

Lucy sat confused. If cana and Laxus hadn't slept together then...did that mean that cana lied?

Standing up Lucy turned and headed towards the guild, she needed to have a talk with cana.