And here we go again! See, I haven't completely forgotten about writing. I'm just... slow.

Chapter 12

A shudder raced through my body, making my breath come out in a strange, almost whimper-like sound. I clung tightly to him, the world spinning crazily around me as his lips seized mine once again.

I felt one of his hands travel down the length of my stomach and then his fingers started to sneak beneath my shirt. I stiffened at the contact but didn't stop him. Instead, I arched back slightly and waited breathlessly as his fingers inched their way up to my breast.

A moan slipped from my lips just as he found the sensitive tip, brushing over it softly with his thumb.

"Hey Laxus, where'd you go?" a voice cut through the haze of lust surrounding me and I tensed.

He must have heard the voice as well because his lips stopped moving over my skin, moving to hover just barely above my throat. A shiver coursed through my body as his breath whispered against my sensitive neck and I nearly forgot about the intruder as a moan worked its way up and nearly slipped past my lips.

Alarmingly, the doorknob began to turn beside us.

Laxus removed his hand from my shirt and slapped it against the door, slamming it back in place with a thud. "What do you want, Freed?" Laxus nearly growled.

My body began to slip from his grip and my feet found the floor. I straightened my clothing which had become strikingly disheveled in a very short period of time, and then waited... seeing as it was the only thing I could do considering Laxus was still crowding me against the wall.

The knob turned again but the door didn't budge against Laxus' strength. "Laxus, let me in." Freed's voice sounded confused and agitated. "I need to talk to you."

Laxus sighed and rolled his eyes. "Just...," he looked down at me wearily and I shrugged. What else could I do? "Just hold on. I'll come find you in a minute."

I stepped to the side, relinquishing contact with his delectable body but his hand shot out and grabbed a hold of my waist. He pulled me back against him and an instant later his lips were back on mine, stealing the air from my lungs. I sank into him like I always did, and I was so caught up in it that I barely heard Freed grumble an "Ok," on the other side of the door.

A few moments later, Laxus pulled away and mouthed, "I'm sorry," and lifted a hand to my face. "I'll find you."

I kissed his palm and stepped back. "I hope so..." I said, unsure if it had been out loud or just inside my head.

I took the long way back to the party, not wanting Freed to accidentally see us leaving the stairwell together. I didn't mind at all. I needed the time to collect myself. It always took several minutes for the lustful fog to leave my brain anyway.

At that very moment, my lips were still tingling from his kiss and a deep throbbing was echoing throughout my body. I was getting used to that feeling... if that was even possible. Or maybe I should say I was getting used to being extremely frustrated. It had been a daily occurrence of late. But as frustrated as I was, I wouldn't change a moment of it. I couldn't remember a time in my life that'd I'd been more exhilarated. Just thinking about Laxus set my nerves on fire... and I loved it!

On my way, I decided to go and search for Erza, remembering that Gray had wanted to find her earlier. I walked down the hall towards her rooms and passed by several Fairy Tail mages who were playing some sort of drinking game, balancing bottles on their foreheads. I turned down another hall and could see Erza's door at the far end.

When I got there, I raised my hand to knock but before my knuckles touched the wood, the door flew open, and I barely managed to jump to the side before it crashed against my face.

"Lucy!" Erza exclaimed, her face mirroring my own shock. "I was just about to go looking for you."

Gray was standing a few feet behind Erza and he followed her as she stepped out into the hallway.

"Yea," I said, "Gray said you were here. I didn't know you were coming back today. Is everything..." My voice trailed off, unsure if I should continue in front of Gray. Not that he didn't know about her and Jellal. But to Erza, she liked to think that not many people knew.

A slight flush stained Erza's cheeks. "I'll tell you about it later," she said. "I picked up a job for us. We were thinking we could leave in the morning tomorrow and be back before night. You up for it?"

I glanced down the hallway, looking for someone who wasn't there. I definitely should go. And it wasn't like I had plans or anything. It was just that... well, I was hoping that I would have plans. But how could I say no with that logic?

"I umm..." I paused to look down the hallway, still hoping to find Laxus. But no one was there. Sighing, I finished, "Yea, that sounds fine. What time do you want to meet up?"

"I'd like to catch the early train so meet at the station at 6:30am?"

Natsu came walking around the corner, whining, "6:30? Why so early?" His hair was a disheveled wet mop of pink and his black vest was dripping with water.

"Natsu, what are you doing here? Did you walk through that storm?" I asked, aghast at the idea.

"It's just rain," he answered and walked up beside us. "Do we really need to leave so early?" he continued to complain.

I listened for a moment and realized it had been a while since I'd heard any thunder. I'd been so distracted that I hadn't noticed when the storm had stopped.

"Yes," Erza said sternly towards Natsu, her hands on her hips. "We won't make it back before the last train if we don't. It's supposed to be a 3-day job as it is, but I figured with all of us that we could finish it quickly."

Grumbling, Natsu wrung out part of his vest. "I should have just gone fishing with Happy."

I wasn't thrilled either at the idea of getting up so early but I definitely liked being able to get back before the end of the day. "Anyone know what time it is?" I asked. I wondered what Laxus was doing. Was he still talking to Freed? What could have been so important that Freed had hunted Laxus down like that.

"It has to be getting late," Gray answered. "Last I looked it was after midnight."

"After midnight?!" I exclaimed. How was that even possible? It felt like just a few minutes ago I'd been talking with my girls. "I better go find Cana and let her know that I need to leave." ...and a certain someone else. I was really disappointed at the idea of leaving already. Or maybe I should restate that and say, I really hated the idea of leaving him already. I hated the idea so much that I almost turned around to tell Erza that I wasn't going to go, but I thought better of it. I couldn't plan my life according to what could possibly happen. I could go a day without seeing Laxus. I mean, who knows if we would have done anything together anyway. "I'll see you guys in the morning," I called out and waved as I turned down the hall.

But maybe, just maybe, I could ask Laxus to walk back with me to my place. I could practically see the naughty little figure popping up on my shoulder with little red horns and a pitchfork in hand. It was possible. I mean, he did come all this way and I was pretty sure he did it to see me. So maybe he would come back with me. But should I ask him? Ugh, why did I have to say yes to the job.

I headed towards Cana's room, wondering how I was going to find Laxus and tell him that I had to leave. I had no idea where Freed's room was. I suppose I could ask someone but how awkward would it be to knock on his door and ask for Laxus? Gosh, I hope he was back at the party. It would make my life so much easier.

When I rounded the last turn, I could see loads of people still milling about in front of Cana's door and I hurried inside, scanning the room. Laxus was nowhere in sight, and I sighed.

"Sorry I'm such a disappointment," Cana said, coming up beside me and throwing an arm around my shoulders. "But I suppose I would be disappointed too if I got me instead of that blonde hunk."

I smiled at her. "Unfortunately, I have to go home."

Cana looked almost more disappointed than I was, and her arm fell from my shoulders. "Already? But the party just started... and a certain someone just got here. It's just getting good."

"I know," I said, sighing. "But I have to leave really early tomorrow for a job." I took another quick glance around the room but still didn't see Laxus. "Do you know..." I began but Cana cut in.

"I haven't seen him since you left with him earlier."

Ugh, what should I do? I hated the idea of searching him out in Freed's room. But I also didn't want to just leave without telling him.

It seemed Cana could sense my discomfort and asked, "What do you need? Do you want me to tell him you left when I see him?"

I shook my head. That wasn't much better than just leaving... or at least he wouldn't think so. "Do you know where Freed's room is?"

"Oh yea," Cana said and started pointing out of the room. "Take a left out of the room and then turn right, and then another right and it should be the first door you come to."

I gave her a quick hug and said, "Thank you."

"Good luck," Cana answered, waving and giving me a wink.

I followed her directions and soon I was making the last turn towards his room. His door was open, and I was slightly relieved. I could pretend I was just nosily poking my head in and say good-bye. That wouldn't seem too weird. Freed probably wouldn't suspect anything.

I took a long, deep breath and stepped forward just as Natsu came running at me from behind, nearly knocking into my back.

"Hey Lucy!" he said loudly and threw an arm around my shoulders with so much force it propelled us both forward, stumbling in front of the open door. "I'm going to sleep at your place, ok? It's closer to the station than mine."

I opened my mouth to chastise him, but the words never made it past my throat as I looked up to find Laxus standing right in front of me in the doorway. He looked annoyed, his mouth set in a grim line and his eyes narrowing as he looked at us.

"Hi Laxus! I almost never see you at the dorms. What are you doing here?" Natsu asked, clearly not reading the expression on the lightning mage's face.

Laxus gave me a strange look, one that I didn't understand, and then turned around in the doorway and headed back inside. "Nothing exciting," he answered over his shoulder and then the door closed in our faces.

I felt like someone had just punched me in the gut. What the hell was that?! Nothing exciting? What did that mean? My stomach was churning in discomfort, and I just froze where I was, staring at the door.

"Lucy, let's go," Natsu said. I felt his eyes move towards me and then he bent in front of me. "Lucy? Are you ok?"

I swallowed thickly, pushing back the lump in my throat. No, I wasn't ok. I was upset and... well frankly, pissed off. What the hell was wrong with him? Did something happen with Freed? Why would he say something like that?

My head started to spin, and I closed my eyes. I felt Natsu at my side and I leaned against him, using him as support as I straightened. "I'm fine," I answered loudly... hopefully loud enough for someone to hear through the door. "Let's go."

By the time Natsu and I had made it to my apartment the rain had slowed to a drizzle, and I quickly got into my bed clothes and turned out the lights. Luckily Natsu had been extremely chatty on the way back and it had kept my mind somewhat occupied. But now I was lying here, nothing to stop my thoughts as they came speeding through my brain.

I didn't understand what had happened. When I'd left him in the stairwell, he'd been just as hot and bothered as me... at least I'd thought he had been. But maybe I was overestimating things. It wouldn't be the first time. I mean, what did I know? Maybe I was just a casual plaything that he only enjoyed for stolen moments of fun.

My mind rebelled at the idea, but it certainly was possible. It was Laxus we were talking about. It's not like he had the best reputation.

I could feel my stomach starting to knot up and I turned onto my side, facing the window. 'Nothing exciting...'. Was I really nothing exciting? Was all of this only exciting to me?

Tears heated the back of my eyes and I felt them slipping between my closed lids. I reached up and wiped them away. I guess it was a good thing I was going to do a job tomorrow. At least it would keep my mind off of this and I could get away.

As much as I wanted it, sleep didn't come easy and it was only a few short hours later that I was heading towards the train station with Natsu, a heaviness weighing me down.

(Laxus POV)

The instant the door closed behind me; I knew she was mad at me. I had no idea why I'd done it, or why I'd said what I'd said. It had just slipped out when I had watched Natsu with his arm around Lucy, talking about sleeping at her place.

I'd been on my way out to find Lucy when the pair had suddenly appeared in front of me. I'd just finished sorting out Freed's issue, (which hadn't really been an issue at all) and had been excited to finally be able to find Lucy and continue where we'd left off. It had been all I could think about the entire time I'd had to sit there and listen to Freed ramble about some book and the differences between the script and blah blah blah. I'd been so distracted with my thoughts that more than once I'd caught myself staring off, looking at nothing in particular, while I relived the few stolen moments I'd just had out in the stairwell.

But that excitement to see Lucy again had shattered the instant I had seen her with that pink-haired dragon slayer. Instead, a wave of anger had washed over me, and I'd struggled to hide it from my face as I'd watched the pair. They'd been so happy standing there. Natsu had had a huge grin stretching across his face and his hand had been resting so familiarly on her shoulder. I'd wanted to yank that hand away and shove him against the wall. Why was it that he was always getting in the way?

And yea, maybe I had been an ass, but she was the one leaving. She was the one walking home with another guy, even if it was just Natsu. I'd heard her reply from the other side of the door. The quick, "I'm fine," before leaving with Natsu. I wasn't stupid, I knew what I'm fine meant when a girl said it. She was furious.

"Laxus," a voice cut into my thoughts. Freed was looking up at me with a strange expression on his face. "Is everything ok?"

I nodded curtly and turned back towards the door. "Yea," I said. "I thought I had forgotten something. I'll see ya tomorrow."

"No, you won't," Freed answered. "I'm going on that job with Ever and Bicks, remember? You said you didn't want to go."

"Oh, right." When they'd asked, I'd been in the middle of coming up with a dirty plan that involved the woman that had just left. Guess that hadn't turned out so well. "I'll see you in a few days then."

"You sure you don't want to go?" Freed asked hopefully as I opened the door.

I didn't feel like answering so I just left.

I was up early the next morning and headed out for the gym, having had little sleep as my mind had spun round and round. A little physical exertion was always good to clear the mind. And getting there so early would surely assure me of having the place to myself.

But as soon as I stepped inside the front doors of the guild I was greeted with a cheerful, "Good Morning! You're here early."

Mira was already there, sweeping the floor and in her usual good mood. I gave her a curt nod and kept walking, but she continued, "It's been an early morning for several Fairy Tail mages. I saw Erza take a job yesterday for her group and they left over an hour ago. Freed, Bickslow and Evergreen should be leaving for a job this morning too. I'm surprised you aren't going with them."

Erza's group? Did she mean Lucy too?

I stopped and turned back to Mira. "What job did Erza take?" I asked.

She continued sweeping between the tables, picking up chairs here and there that had fallen over. If she was surprised that I was asking about Erza, she didn't let on. "The one near Clover Town. I think it's a three-day job. They left on the first train this morning."

Three days?! Fuck... Did Lucy go with them? What was I going to do now? Any plans I had made just went up in flames. Not that I had made any specific plans, but several had run through my head... all of which had at one time or another turned quite naughty.

But now I had to wait three days? Fuckin' hell. It was like I was cursed when it came to Lucy. All I wanted was a bit of fun... or at least that was how it had started. I had to admit at this point that it had gone a bit beyond 'just a bit of fun'. But how far "beyond" was, I just wasn't sure. I wanted her, that much I was sure of. And I was fed up with the near constant interruptions. I felt myself getting aggravated just sitting there, thinking about it all. Why had she just left the other night? I'd gone all the way to that damn party just to see her and she'd just left. If I hadn't opened the door at the exact moment her and Natsu had been walking by, I'd have never even known she was leaving.

"Hey Laxus, did you change your mind?" I turned towards the door and standing there was Bickslow, his clothes disheveled and his hair a mess. He yawned as he stepped inside, and his babies came floating in after him.

"Hey Bicks, I was just heading to the gym," I said and then asked, "When are you guys leaving?"

Bickslow took a seat at the nearest table, one that Mira had already cleaned around and propped his feet up on the edge.

"Bickslow! Get your dirty boots off the table. I just cleaned that," Mira scolded and Bickslow immediately dropped his feet to the floor.

"Sorry Mira," he muttered, wearily watching the barmaid. Bickslow turned back towards me and answered, "Soon, I think. I wasn't paying much attention when Freed was telling me, but I know it was supposed to be early."

"Well at least he got the early part right," Freed said as he came stepping inside. "Laxus, did you decide to come with us?" he asked hopefully. Evergreen walked in behind him, yawning and rubbing her eyes beneath her wireframe glasses.

I looked around at my friends. It probably would be a good idea to get out of town for a little while. It would get my mind off other things and make the three days go faster. "Sure, I guess I'll go. How long is it?"

Freed beamed a smile and answered, "Just an overnight mission. Should be back by evening tomorrow."

'Perfect,' I thought. Just long enough to keep my mind occupied and be back before Lucy returned.

"Do I have enough time to get some stuff from my place?"

"Yea, go ahead. We can just take the next train if we need," Freed said.

Bickslow yawned, "Great. Wake me up when it's time to go," and then lowered his head onto the table and immediately started snoring.

Lucy POV

Despite Erza's plan, the mission had taken a bit longer than expected and the group hadn't been able to make it back to the train station before the last train had taken off down the tracks. In fact, we had barely made it back to the station before the last train on the 2nd day. The mission had been much more involved than initially believed. Instead of there being one monster wreaking havoc on the small town, there had been four and it had taken hours to track them all down. 'Why don't missions ever go as expected?'

So here it was, nearly ten at night and we were just getting off on the platform in Magnolia. I was exhausted. I wanted nothing more than to go home, take off my bra, get a glass of wine and sink into a steaming hot bubble bath... and that was exactly what I planned to do.

"Hey guys, I'm going to call it a night. Say hi to everyone at the guild for me."

Gray and Erza nodded, waving as they turned down the road towards the guild. I turned the opposite direction towards my place and Natsu started to follow me.

"I'm sorry, Natsu," I said, not wanting to hurt his feelings but absolutely not in the mood for company. "I think I want to be alone tonight."

Natsu shrugged, not seeming to be bothered by my request. I was thankful for that. The last thing I wanted to do was upset my best friend.

A few minutes later, I turned the corner down the street and could see my apartment in the distance. Soon I would be sinking into a nice hot bath and just the thought had me moaning quietly to myself. I knew people would still be at the guild at this time of the night. Cana would probably be there, working on her 18th beer or something like that. Maybe even Laxus would be there...

I rolled my eyes at myself and shook my head. What was I thinking? Did I enjoy torturing myself, or something? The man had made it pretty clear that I wasn't anything more than a mild distraction. 'Nothing exciting'... the words still stung. Probably because it was the exact opposite for me. The past week had been one of the most exciting for me. I can remember every moment of the time's we'd shared and how my body had felt experiencing all the thing's we'd done together. I was getting flushed just thinking about it.

"Hey Lucy!... wait up!" I turned just as I was about to open the door to the bottom level of my building and saw Natsu sprinting towards me. I mentally groaned and swung the door open. I just wanted my bath!

"What do you want, Natsu?" I said, a tinge of annoyance in my tone.

The pink-haired dragon-slayer stopped directly in front of me, huffing loudly. Between deep breaths he said, "I... left my... keys...," he gulped and took another deep breath. "... in your place."

I opened the door and motioned for him to enter. We made our way up the stairs to the second floor and as soon as we were in my place, Natsu snatched his keys up from the coffee table and skipped back to my front door. "Thanks Lucy! See you tomorrow!" he called out as he disappeared behind the closing door.

I looked at my couch, wanting to flop down on it for a bit but knew that if I did, I probably would never get back up. So instead, I headed for my bathroom and turned on the water for my bath. I added my favorite bath salts and then started to undress, happy to get out of the dusty clothes. I threw everything in the hamper and then began tying my hair up in a messy knot. The tub was about half full now and I dipped my fingers into the water, testing the temperature. It was stinging hot... perfect!

I decided to go to the kitchen and grab something to drink and when I came back into the bathroom with my small glass of wine, the tub was nearly full. I turned off the water and then gratefully stepped in.

"Mmm... this feels so good," I said to myself as I sunk beneath the water.

I sighed and leaned back, resting my head against the back of the tub and closing my eyes. I could practically feel the past few days washing away as the hot water eased my sore muscles. My skin prickled from the heat, and it felt wonderful.

I let myself sit there for a while, just enjoying the warmth. After several minutes I reached for a washcloth and bottle of soap and just as I was about to pour, a loud knock echoed into the bathroom.

I narrowed my eyes and swore under my breath. I was gonna kill him! I told him I wanted to be alone this evening and now this was the second time he'd interrupted me.

Another knock had me pushing myself out of the tub and grumbling as I grabbed a towel. "I'm coming!" I hollered in aggravation. I hastily wrapped it around myself and tucked the tip between my breasts while I walked towards the door, leaving a trail of puddles in my wake.

"What do you want now?!" I said angrily as I flung open the door. But the man I expected on the other side was not there. Instead, it was Laxus.

My breath caught in my throat, and I was suddenly very aware of the fact that I was clad in only a towel. I shifted uneasily and my hand went to the knot at my cleavage, tucking the towel in tighter.

The man was gorgeous as always, wearing a clean white t-shirt and black pants. The t-shirt was tucked in at the waist, emphasizing his narrow hips and the broadness of his shoulders and chest. I could see the outlines of muscle beneath the fabric. And the sleeves (as usual) had bunched up above his biceps in a failed attempt at covering his arms. No wonder he wore so many cut-offs.

His hair was a disheveled mess, strands sticking up at odd angles just the way I liked it. It always made me want to run my fingers through it... and maybe tug a little.

But even more arresting were his eyes. The bright blue was almost electric as they stared down at me. I could feel them running up and down my body, boldly devouring whatever they wished. Heat trickled between my thighs, and I cursed myself for my stupidity. My body was my worst enemy when he was near.

"Laxus," I finally said, inching myself slowly behind the open door so that it could act as a shield. "What are... umm... what are you doing here?" I started thinking about our last interaction and a wave of uncertainty washed over me. Was he here to end things? Not that there was anything to really end. Nothing had ever been official. But was he here to tell me he didn't want to have anything to do with me anymore?

Ugh, listen to me. I was supposed to be angry at him... wasn't I? His words had really hurt and regardless of how he regarded me, whether as a true romantic interest or just a fun distraction, he shouldn't have been so rude to me. I hadn't deserved that.

But had he really been all that rude? Or was I just being overly sensitive? All he did was basically say he was bored. Just because he didn't feel the same way I did about things didn't mean he was wrong for saying it. Heck, did I even know how I felt about things? This internal conversation with myself proves that I don't. But regardless, he could have been a bit nicer about it if that was the case.

"So, are you avoiding me now?" he asked, his head tilting slightly while he grinned down at me.

I gripped the doorknob tightly as liquid fire streaked through my veins and my knees went weak. "Avoiding?" I repeated, clearly confused.

He quirked his head to the side, silently asking for permission to enter and I pulled the door open wider. I was still using it as a shield, but I felt ridiculous as I stood there.

He spoke slow, his voice deep and rumbling. "Your team was at the guild hall, your friends were there, but you never showed up. So... are you avoiding me?" He stepped closer to me and reached a hand out, grabbing the door and pushing it closed.

"No," I said breathlessly, shaking my head. "I was..." my next words never left my lips. Laxus was leaning towards me, his mouth intent on claiming my own.

I lifted my hand up suddenly when he was only a breath away and stilled him. His eyes widened as he stood there, staring at me while my finger still rested against his lips. "What are you doing?" I asked, thankful that my voice didn't waver.

Laxus quirked his head slightly to the side as if confused. He didn't budge though, still standing mere inches from me as my back brushed against the wall.

I dropped my hand from his lips and swallowed thickly. He was intoxicating at this proximity. His masculine scent filled my nostrils and it felt like electricity was jumping from his body to my skin. "Isn't it fairly obvious?" he answered, a grin on his handsome face.

It was my turn to look at him inquisitively. "Well, yes... but why?" I asked, staring into his blue eyes.

He backed away a step, seeming to be confused by my question. I straightened from the wall and continued, "I mean, I don't understand why you're even here. You must have been awfully bored."

Laxus backed up another few steps until he was next to the couch. He took a seat on the arm. "I see what's going on here," he said, crossing his arms over his chest. "But it seems a bit strange since you were so disinterested the other night that you decided to leave."

It was my turn to look at him, confused. "Disinterested? I don't..."

"Heck, you were practically sprinting through the dorms to get out... you and Natsu that is."

I narrowed my eyes and a few seconds later, the realization dawned. "I was trying to find you," I said, straightening. "I was trying to tell you about the job Erza planned for us, but I wasn't sure how to let you know without..." I paused, trying to think of how to put it.

His brows raised as he listened to me, but he didn't say anything. I continued, "When I finally found out where Freed's room was, I went to find you and let you know that I needed to leave soon and..." my voice trailed away, not wanting to let him know that I had been planning to ask him to come home with me.

"I see. So, you were coming to say goodbye to me, and you brought Natsu along for... what, support?"

I took a step forward, trying to explain, "I didn't know... I mean, you know how..."

He cut me off. "No, I don't know how. Maybe you can explain it to me."

His words had a sting to them I hadn't expected. I stared at him, my mind a whirlwind of confusion and frustration. What was happening here? Why is he mad at me? I was the one that was upset with him! And it didn't make sense. What could he be mad about? He started to stand up from the arm of the couch and I stepped forward without thought and pushed him back down with a hand to his chest. He seemed taken aback by my action, but he didn't stop me.

"I don't know what I should be explaining to you. You're the one who so flippantly turned away from me. 'Nothing exciting'... was I supposed to be indifferent to a comment like that?" I could feel anger bubbling up inside of me and my throat constricted a bit. I took a deep breath and continued, "How do you think that made me feel, hearing that? Maybe to you all of this isn't a big deal but to me..." I debated only briefly if I should say what I was about to say but the words slipped out before I could finalize my thoughts on it, "...to me it kinda is. I don't just go around engaging in flirting and heavy petting in gyms, or… or kissing guys in public stairwells… or, asking them to come back with me to my apartment in the middle of the night. So, whatever it is I did..."

"You were going to ask me to come back with you to your place?" he interrupted.

Shit… I hadn't meant to say that out loud. "Well," I began, feeling a bit sheepish suddenly. I tugged on my ponytail and looked down at my feet. For some reason I couldn't get myself to look at him. "I mean, I was thinking about asking you and..."

"...And what was Natsu going to do, watch us? Or maybe I'm misunderstanding what you had in mind for us to do."

My head shot up. "What are you talking about? Why would I want Natsu there?"

"Well, he seemed pretty happy to be heading out with you that night."

I stood there for a moment, just a few steps away from the man and stared at him. Was he really that upset that Natsu had interrupted us? If that was the case, I could say the same about Freed. He'd been the one to come banging on the door when we'd been making out in the stairwell. But I wasn't going to hold that against Laxus. It wasn't like he could do anything about it. So why was he holding this against me?

I stared at him for a few more moments, astonished that even now when I was aggravated as hell at the man, I could still find him so damn attractive. Possibly even more attractive. The itch that was always there in my fingers when he was around hadn't gone away and I fought the urge to reach out and touch him, maybe brush back that bit of hair that kept falling over his forehead.

I shook my head and took a small step towards him. "After I found out about the job, I went to Cana to find you because I didn't know where Freed's room was. She told me where to go and I went straight over." I took another few steps, nearly close enough to touch him. "I admit, Natsu's timing was unfortunate, but I don't know why you would be mad at me about that. I can't control when people are going to show up any more than you can control when Freed shows up." My hand reached out and I finally brushed that strand of hair back. His eyes stared up into mine and a frisson of excitement zipped through me. I just couldn't be close to this man without feeling like a fire was burning in the pit of my stomach.

"Then you hadn't been planning on having Natsu over that night? Instead, you were going to ask me back to your place?" he asked, extending a hand and grasping my waist. He slowly tugged me toward him, and I gave in easily.

"Essentially," I answered. I was acutely aware of the fact that I was still in the towel as his hand started to slowly massage my waist.

"And what did you have planned for us to do at your place?" His voice was low and sultry, entrancing me. I felt dizzy as I stood there, looking into his eyes, feeling his hand rubbing up and down my waist and just listening to him.

"I hadn't really..." his other hand lifted, and he cupped the side of my face, urging me toward him. "...planned anything. I wasn't even sure you would want..." His lips were just inches away and I stopped speaking briefly to lick my own. "... to come."

A deep chuckle rumbled inside of him and then his lips pressed gently against mine. They were soft and teasing, brushing ever so lightly. "I'm sorry, Lucy," he said and kissed me again, stroking my lower lip with the tip of his tongue. "I shouldn't have said what I did." The hand at my waist started applying more pressure and I found myself perched on his knee as he deepened the kiss.

My hand immediately went into his hair, sifting through the thick, blonde strands and tugging gently. I'd wanted to do that for days. But something still nagged at me. I didn't release my grip on his hair but I pulled away to ask, "Why did you say what you did?"

He paused a moment, his hand stilling its movements. "How would you have felt if you'd seen me leaving with another woman that night?"

I thought about it for a second and hated the feelings it evoked in me. Anger was the immediate reaction, and then something that I could only guess was jealousy. Yes, I definitely wouldn't have liked it, but the situation didn't seem the same. "But, it was just Natsu."

"Natsu is a guy, last I remember."

"Yea but..." he stopped me with a long, lingering kiss.

When he pulled back, he said, "I'm sorry, ok? I knew I shouldn't have said that to you as soon as the door closed behind me. But I was frustrated, and I'd just blurted it out." He kissed me again, eliciting a moan from deep inside my body. I forgot about what we'd been talking about, forgot about the past few days of hurt, even forgot the fact that the towel wrapped around me was getting looser and looser. Suddenly I felt the knot between my breasts pop free and I jerked myself away and snatched the ends before the towel fell to the floor.

"That's a shame," Laxus commented, smiling at me. I felt the blush spreading over my face and I turned my attention to re-securing the towel around my body. "Speaking of," he continued, "it looks like I interrupted something." His eyes moved up and down my body.

"Yea, I uhh... was in the middle of a bath."

Laxus stood up and smiled. "Well don't let me stop you. It's about time I get my revenge on you anyway."

His what?! Wow, things had really turned full circle now. I almost had to laugh at the situation. This is exactly what I'd been paranoid about the first few days after spying on him in the shower. Now here I was, having a full-on argument with the man while wearing only a towel. Amazing how just a few days could change things.

"Revenge?" I said, laughing but with a nervous edge on it. There was no way, after all this time that he'd be serious, would he?

"Or," he added, "I can just join you." I swear my heart stopped and I just stood there, staring at him, fumbling through my brain to try and respond. He pulled me to him again and brushed away a few stray strands of hair that had fallen out of my bun. "Still shy around me?"

I wanted to scream YES. There was no doubt that I was still shy around him... and nervous and confused and a whole list of other adjectives. But no matter how shy I was, my inquisitiveness always superseded any trepidation. And this situation was no different. Sure, a part of me was a bit apprehensive about doing something like taking a bath with Laxus, but the idea was also extremely intriguing. And I think it was about time I let that side out... maybe just a little.

I took a deep breath, stealing my nerves and took a step back... then another. I turned and started walking towards my bathroom and then paused and half-turned back to him. "I'll warm up the water."

I saw a grin spread over his face just before I turned back around and continued walking. I knew that if I stopped, I wouldn't have the courage to start again so I went straight to the edge of the bath and tested the water. It had cooled significantly in the time I'd been gone so I pulled out the plug and started to let a bit of the water drain.

Behind me, I could hear Laxus enter the bathroom, but I didn't turn around. I think if I did, my courage would crumble, and I'd become a mess. So, I continued working with the water. The tub had been drained nearly halfway so I plugged it back up and turned the hot water on. Then I poured in a bit of bath soap.

As I waited, I re-did my hair, twisting it into a loose bun and then knelt down to test the water. It was definitely getting hot now... just the way I liked it. Since another body was going to be joining me, I couldn't let the water get as high or risk it overflowing so it didn't take long before it was ready and... well now for the scary part. No matter how hard I thought, I couldn't figure out a good way to get into the water without totally exposing myself. So… I went for it. I closed my eyes for a moment, building up my courage and then removed the towel. I hung it up on the hook beside me and then stepped into the tub and sunk down. All in all, it couldn't have been more than 5 seconds, but it had felt like eons. And, in what seemed like an even greater effort, I finally turned my eyes to the man standing just a few feet away. He had an appreciative look on his face, but he didn't say a word. I was glad for that. I wasn't sure I was ready to utter any words at that moment.

At some point, he had removed his shoes and socks and they were neatly sitting against the wall. Then I watched as he grabbed the bottom of his white t-shirt and began to lift it over his head. I wasn't sure if he had done it purposely or if it was just my twisted mind, but it seemed like it happened in slow motion. It was so seductive watching him... the way his muscles stretched and bunched as he moved. I honestly could just look at him for hours and not get bored. And even though I felt like a complete pervert at the moment, I couldn't look away. It was like he was putting on a show just for me.

He dropped the shirt on top of his shoes and then his hands went to the button of his black pants. I gulped but didn't look away even though heat exploded in my face. He unsnapped the button and then slowly lowered the zipper. With a quick shove, the pants fell to the floor in a heap, and he stepped out of them, grabbing them up and haphazardly folding them and dropping them on the growing pile of apparel.

I was in utter amazement. He just had to be the most perfect male specimen on the planet. I'd never fancied myself a leg person... I don't recall ever seeing a man's legs and thinking, 'wow, those are sexy legs.' But there was a first time for everything. His thighs were thickly muscled but lean with blonde hair that I decided looked masculine as hell. I wanted to run my hands up those thighs and...

My fantasy abruptly stopped. There Laxus stood, his thumbs tucked beneath the elastic of his black boxer briefs, pausing as he grinned down at me.

"Nothing you haven't already seen," he said and slid his hands down.

The air stalled in my lungs, and I quickly turned my head away. The boldness with which I'd been watching him evaporated and I was suddenly reminded of how frighteningly inexperienced I was.

I heard a deep chuckle and then a moment later the water started sloshing as he stepped inside. I felt his leg slide against mine... and then the other. It was unexpectedly intimate, and I had a hard time keeping myself from curling up into a ball.

"So, how did your job go?" Laxus asked, breaking the silence that had seemed to stretch for ages… though in reality it was probably less than a minute.

I turned my attention back to his face and marveled at how ridiculously sexy he looked when he was wet. His hair wasn't soaking wet, but he'd definitely run his hand through it, making it damp and spikey. Beads of water rested on his shoulders and chest, some sliding down the crevices of muscle into the water.

Ugh! Stop it, Lucy! Pay attention for once! "It was... well, it kind of sucked, to be honest."

I told him about our expectations going into the job and how we'd had to spend an extra day there. Pretty soon we were talking about the job he'd gone on with his own team and I was almost to the point where I'd forgotten that we were both sitting in the bathtub, naked. Ha! As if that was even possible. But I have to admit, I was definitely getting more comfortable.

Laxus continued, "We'd been back for a few hours when I saw your team show up at the guild." He shifted a little. His leg slid along mine. A streak of heat zipped up my body. I slouched further in the water. "I waited for you, but you never came. That's why I thought you were purposely avoiding me."

His hand found my foot and his fingers slid along my heel and slowly up to my ankle. I held my breath.

"And maybe you were."

I could feel the tips of his fingers gliding over my skin beneath the water in a slow, teasing rhythm. I wanted to roll my head back and close my eyes to drink in the feeling. But I also didn't want to succumb so easily for once… just once.

"I'm glad I found you though," he said with a grin.

I couldn't quite bring myself to say, 'me too', so instead I grabbed a nearby wash cloth and bottle of soap and began lathering it up... anything to keep myself from sinking into the feelings he was creating within me. I started with my shoulders and neck, running the soapy cloth over my skin. I could feel his eyes on me as I washed, and his fingers continued to caress my calf. Then I moved the cloth south, washing my breasts and stomach, then lower. I was surprised by my reaction watching him... watching me. His fiery gaze emboldened me, making a renewed sense of confidence take over as my movements slowed and became a bit more deliberate.

He leaned forward and his hand slid slowly up, finding the back of my knee. The tips of his fingers played with the sensitive skin, causing me to take a ragged breath.

"I've never been jealous of a washcloth before," he said, a teasing grin spreading over his face. He shifted to his knees in the tub and leaned even further forward, nudging my knees apart.

I gulped and watched him as his hands found my waist and he slid my body easily towards him, my backside gliding over his thighs.

My face flamed and my core tightened at the position. This was getting dangerously intimate now and I stupidly laid the tiny bit of fabric over my chest as if it could cover anything.

He continued to lean forward and soon his face was just above mine. His lips pressed against my own and lingered for a few moments before he pulled away just as I was about to part my lips and demand more.

"My turn," he said, grabbing the cloth and moving back to the far side of the tub.

I took a deep breath, struggling to hide my disappointment. My body wanted him. I could feel my heart pounding in the most intimate places, causing me to squeeze my thighs together. I slid further down into the water and tried to focus on my breathing.

The water sloshed in the tub as he moved to grab the bottle of soap and poured a healthy amount out. Then, he began washing himself, sliding the fabric over his chest and up his neck. He then moved to his shoulders and took his time washing both arms. My eyes were fastened to his movements, and I moved my knees to the side to get a better look.

The cloth was back at his chest again and then he slid it down until it disappeared beneath the foamy water. I could imagine the cloth moving over his stomach as his arm moved from side to side, slowly slipping further and further downward…

I shifted uncomfortably in the tub, momentarily embarrassed when the water sloshed dangerously close to the brim. His arm was submerged deep now, and I could only imagine what he was washing at that moment.

When I looked up, Laxus' eyes were on mine and something seemed to spark behind the blue that appeared darker than it normally did. I bit my lower lip and gripped the sides of the tub with my hands. Out of my peripheral vision I could see his arm moving still but my gaze was locked with his. Even when he began to lift his leg up slowly, I didn't take my eyes from his. But I knew he was washing the inside of his thighs, could feel his skin sliding against my legs when he submerged the first leg and then lifted the other.

He wrung out the washcloth and then hung it over the side of the tub. "I'm getting a little thirsty," he said "…Mind if I get myself a drink?"

I shook my head, quietly answering, "No, that's fine."

I didn't turn my head away this time when he rose out of the water, his naked body on full display. I watched the soapy water work its way down and then boldly stared at his semi-aroused state. He was thick and large and something quickened between my legs, a hunger building inside of me.

He stepped easily out of the tub and grabbed a pink towel that was hanging on the back of the door. When his back turned towards me I admired his rounded backside. There wasn't an inch of this man that wasn't delicious. Even while he toweled himself dry, I admired every movement he made.

Eventually he wrapped the towel around his waist and knotted it at his hip. I thought he would leave then but instead, he stepped towards my side of the tub, sat on the edge and leaned down. Without a word, he kissed me. A startled sound worked its way up my throat but didn't make it past my lips before his tongue pushed its way inside and slid against my own.

The kiss was deep and slow. I felt myself falling into it. My lips moved against his as if in a trance. I was utterly lost in the moment, lost to his lips and tongue. Time didn't exist as our mouths moved. I completely forgot where I was and had no control of my body except for my lips and tongue.

It took several moments for the world around me to reform after he broke away. I almost didn't notice as he stepped out of the bathroom until he said over his shoulder, "Take your time. I'll wait."

I stared at the surface of the water; the bubbles completely gone now. My thoughts were lost in a fog of lust and before I realized what I was doing, I had removed myself from the tub, toweled myself dry and belted my robe around my body. My feet took me out into the living room and then I turned the corner, finding Laxus leaning against my kitchen counter with a small glass of water at his lips and my pink towel wrapped around his hips.

He looked amazing. His hair was still wet and spiky. His tattooed chest was unbelievably broad, marred only with a few jagged scars that probably did more to enhance his sexiness than detract from it. The towel hung low on his narrow hips and his thigh peeked out between the slit when he shifted his weight from one foot to the other.

"What are you thinking about when…" I didn't let him finish because the moment he lowered the glass I stepped forward, slid my hands around his neck and kissed him.

His mouth was cool from the water, and I licked inside greedily. A moan vibrated in his chest and in an instant his hands were on me, gripping my hips and sliding around to cup my backside. His hard body was pressed tightly against mine and when he straightened from the counter, he lifted me and spun us around, depositing my ass onto the cool granite surface.

He deepened the kiss, making me arch slightly back. I grasped his hair to keep my balance and spread my legs further apart as he slid me effortlessly towards him. It wasn't until his lips left mine and started to blaze a trail down my throat that I realized how vulnerable of a position we were in. But I didn't care. Sharing a bath with him, knowing he had been naked that entire time, had completely melted any inhibitions I might have had earlier in the night.

When I'd stepped off the train earlier, I'd been exhausted. All I'd wanted was a nice, hot bath and sleep. But now, sleep was the furthest thing from my mind.

I felt his hand slip between the halves of my robe, and he palmed my bare breast. Memories of several nights before flooded my mind and I arched even further back, thrusting my breasts wantonly up for more.

"You're so damn sensitive," he said, lightly brushing his thumb over my nipple.

A breathy sound slipped between my lips, and I mumbled, "I'm sorry."

I hadn't really been paying attention to what I'd said but Laxus suddenly jerked his face up and locked his blue eyes with mine, stopping his movements. "Don't ever apologize for this," he said, his tone more serious than I expected. "You are a treasure and I never want you to hold back from me. Scream so loud that the entire town hears if that is what you want to do. But never, ever hold back your pleasure from me."

I swallowed thickly and nodded, startled and confused by his seriousness while at the same time a warm glow bloomed in my chest.

He lifted me off the counter and started kissing me again. I could sense that we were walking through the kitchen but was so lost in the kiss that I didn't notice we were at my bed until he lowered me on to it and crawled over my body to continue his assault on my lips.

He found my neck and then trailed his lips down to my chest. My robe was completely open now. The cool air felt good on my heated skin.

Laxus renewed his earlier attention to my nipple, and I moaned unabashedly and writhed beneath him as his thumb gently stroked the tight nub. The feelings he was eliciting with his tongue made strings of pleasure streak through my body.

"Laxus," I breathed raggedly as he drew the sensitive tip between moist lips on a soft pull.

He sat up then and grinned at me. There was a mischievous look in his eyes, and I blinked up at him just before he flipped me on to my stomach with a swift move of his hands.

"What are you doing?" I asked, my voice hardly recognizable to my own ears. It was raspy and hoarse. The robe slipped easily from my body, and he threw it to the side. I turned my head to see him. He was kneeling next to me, his eyes moving up and down my body.

"Enjoying the view," he answered finally and then leaned down and pressed his mouth to the center of my back.

I arched into the soft mattress as pleasure zipped up and down my spine at the light touch.

"…Even here," he muttered and pressed another lingering kiss just an inch below the previous.

I turned my face into the comforter beneath me and groaned loudly. I'd had no idea my back was so sensitive. Every muscle clenched when his fingers started to lightly brush over my skin while his mouth continued its passage down my spine. When he reached the small of my back, I stiffened even more and turned my head to the side to catch a glimpse of him.

I was unsuccessful.

The mattress shifted beneath me and I could feel him straddling my outstretched legs. I didn't know what I was expecting but his lips on my right butt-cheek certainly was not it. His hands followed, cupping my backside and kneading it.

"You have an amazing ass," he said before planting a wet kiss to the other cheek.

His lips moved dangerously close to the seam, but he stopped after placing a gentle kiss at the top. "We'll save this for another time." The stroke of his tongue at the juncture of my cheeks let me know exactly what he meant by that statement and my face flamed at the realization that something like that could be pleasurable as well.

My body was uncomfortably alive. Whether it was from the feelings he'd evoked, or my own embarrassment at the position, I didn't know. But I tried to turn and look at him again, unsure of what he was doing next and caught him just as he was readjusting the towel around his hips, giving me a stunning glimpse of what was beneath.

Holy Mavis, he was magnificent. His member seemed larger than it'd been when he'd left the bathtub, standing firmer. I felt my face flush even hotter when I realized how much it turned me on seeing that part of him... even for just a second. I licked my suddenly dry lips as he crawled over me and kissed me from behind.

The position forced me to turn my head and part of my body. His body had me pinned and I felt completely helpless as the need to touch him grew. But I couldn't do anything about it. Even when he removed his mouth from mine, he stopped me from turning around with a firm hand on the center of my back.

"...Laxus," I muttered, desperation in my voice.

He kissed the back of my neck and his voice rumbled as he replied, "Yes?"

I swallowed thickly when his knee slid between my thighs, forcing my legs to part. He was licking the center of my back while his hands smoothed up and down my sides, lightly brushing the outer edges of my breasts. "Please..." I finally managed to say.

He didn't stop his movements, his other knee sliding between my thighs. I was incredibly exposed but somehow, I wasn't as embarrassed as I thought I would be... but that didn't last long. His hovering body lowered over mine, his lips coming to rest just above my ear. I could feel parts of him I'd never felt so plainly before, lying heavily over my ass as he whispered, "Please what?"

My hands grabbed fistfuls of the blanket beneath me, and I sucked in a quick breath as he moved slightly and covered my clenched fists with his own. I moved my head to the side and his lips reclaimed mine in a searingly hot kiss that had me arching as far back against him as I could manage. I'd nearly forgotten what I'd wanted to ask him but the need to touch him resurfaced in a rush as my frustration mounted at being captured so helplessly beneath him.

"Please," I murmured when his mouth left mine, "Let me touch you."

I heard, more than saw his grin when he asked, "How do you want to touch me?"

I shiver raced down my spine when his tongue licked the back of my neck. His body pressed down more firmly over me and he still hadn't released my hands.

I arched my back into the mattress and thrust my backside up, feeling his hard length between our bodies. The terrycloth towel was the only barrier.

"Fuck," he hissed, and fell even heavier over me. I wiggled beneath him, hoping to turn to face him but was once again unsuccessful. He was simply too big to budge. "I don't think you know what you just asked for," he said and then released one of my hands. In the next instant, he spun me around on to my back and recaptured my wrists in his hands, securing them above my head. His knee nudged my thighs apart and he lowered himself over me until I could feel him... all of him.

The sudden realization that only a thin towel stood in the way of our bodies pressing nakedly together overwhelmed me, causing my body to shake in nervous anticipation.

"Is this what you wanted?" he asked, rolling his hips against mine. I could feel his hard length against the inside of my thigh, and I squirmed. He repeated the motion, and I arched my neck back and shook it from side to side, answering his question.

"Then tell me..."

After a drawn-out moan, I managed to say, "I want to be on top of you."

"Are you sure?" he asked, kissing my breasts.

My wrists were still being held above my head and I could do little more than squirm beneath him. "Yes," I panted. "Please."

He kissed me and slowly released my hands. I immediately took my newfound freedom and ran my hands over his shoulders, down his back as far as I could reach, and then slid them around to his chest.

"I'm all yours," he said and then rolled over onto his back.

I followed him, crawling over his body and straddling his towel clad hips. I was acutely aware of the provocative position, but I ignored the embarrassment as best I could and looked down at him. His blue eyes were staring back at me, a bit of amusement teasing the corners... amusement and something else that felt hot and seductive.

I settled myself more comfortably on top of him, steadying myself with my hands on his chest and tried to take it all in. He was so damn hot. I wanted to stare at him and get my fill, but right now, I was finally able to do more. And I was not going to deny myself that opportunity for even a second.

My hands started to smooth over his chest, lightly massaging the muscles up to his shoulders and then back down his chest. I took a moment to trace the extravagant tattoo that ran across his torso and followed it all the way to his slightly protruding stomach muscles. There I continued my quest, smoothing my fingers over the ridges until I found the crisp hairs that started beneath his naval.

I glanced back up into his face and was surprised to see that he was watching me. I swallowed thickly and turned away, overwhelmed by the heat in his gaze and snatched my fingers away as if I'd done something wrong.

He started to reach for me, and I quickly shook my head and slapped his hands away. If I'd gone through the torment of not being able to touch him, then he was going to go through the same.

He chuckled softly, a devilish grin spreading across his face. But he did as I asked and obediently lifted his arms over his head, giving me yet another devastating angle of his gorgeous body to look at.

I leaned down and kissed him, remembering how just a short time ago I'd been so clumsy about this. There was no hesitancy in my lips now as they parted and my tongue greedily swept inside. At the same time, my hands explored what they could, running over his arms and down his sides. My weight was balanced on my knees but as I leaned forward, my chest brushed against his. Sparks streaked throughout my body at the contact, causing me to shift uncomfortably. Suddenly I could feel him beneath me... his hard, thick length nestled along the folds at the juncture of my thighs. I rolled my hips, enjoying the feeling and then launched myself up when I heard Laxus suck in a raspy breath.

I was mortified. Had I hurt him? Had I done something I shouldn't? It took everything inside of me to work up the courage to open my eyes... but I was glad I did. His eyes were dark and smoldering, his jaw clenched. An attractive flush was creeping up his face. He was so gorgeous that I nearly stopped breathing while I stared down at him.

"Do that again and I won't be sitting still much longer." I could see that his hands were fisted in the sheets above his head and a wave of excitement washed through me. The man looked on edge, as if he was struggling against something... something that I'd been able to elicit.

The realization of the power I had in this position emerged and I smiled to myself, gaining a bit of confidence. I leaned down once again and lightly brushed my lips over his. "Do what again?" I whispered innocently, lowering my hips back over his.

He groaned and then smirked up at me. "You know exactly what."

I grinned back at him and kissed his neck, finding the rapidly beating pulse and running my tongue over it. I enjoyed my way down his body, tonguing every inch that I could manage and paying attention to how he reacted.

His sides seemed to be most sensitive, causing several rapid intakes of breath from the man as I kissed and licked along his ribs. I took my time on each side, getting more and more turned on by the sounds slipping from between his lips before I moved away. My curiosity guided my lips to his stomach... then lower, kissing the trail of blonde hair beneath his belly button to the knot of the towel covering him.

I curled my fingers around the edge of the fabric, nervous but overwhelmingly aroused as I felt the towel slip free from its knot. The sides of the fabric parted and fell from his hips, revealing the hard rod of flesh lying thick and long against his lower belly.

I was kneeling between his slightly parted legs and ran my hands down the insides of his thighs, listening to his breaths quicken. He lifted himself up on elbow to watch me and even though I thought it would embarrass me, in contrast, it turned me on and emboldened me.

Slowly, I smoothed my hands up his legs, peeking up at him just before the tips of my fingers found the thick root of his member. He was warm and smooth, like a rod encased in velvet. I wrapped my fingers around him, one hand... and then the next. I saw his head fall back on his shoulders from the corner of my eye, but I was too enthralled with holding him to take too much notice.

I glided my hands up, one right after the other... over and over. He felt amazing in my palms, so heavy and thick. I ran my thumb over the rounded tip, familiarizing myself with him. I heard him hiss between his teeth and he fell back on the bed with a groan.

'I'm going to take that as a good sign,' I said to myself, continuing my exploration.

While I continued to stroke him with my fist, I leaned down and kissed the inside of his thigh... then the other. Then I licked the base of his hardness, working my way up until I found the rounded tip and closed my mouth around it. 'Mmm...,' I hummed to myself, enjoying this more than I'd thought. I swirled my tongue over him and smiled when he twitched and muttered a curse beneath his breath.

The sight in front of me was so erotic and I could feel my body reacting to the scene. The folds of my sex were saturated and there was an insistent throbbing that just wouldn't go away.

I drank him down further, pulling him into my mouth and sucking softly until he slipped out with a soft pop. My hand was still moving up and down his hard length and I swallowed him down again, this time further until the two met. I found a rhythm there, my hand sliding along his length while my mouth moved in a similar fashion.

I felt him shift on the bed again, sitting back up and propping himself on an outstretched arm. "Lucy," he said, sifting the fingers from his free hand into my hair while I bobbed over his lap. I glanced up while he was still in my mouth and watched his head arch back, his fingers still threaded through my hair.

His grip tightened slightly as I started to suck a bit harder, increasing the up and down rhythm and swirling my tongue.

"Oh fuck. Your mouth feels so good," Laxus said, his words encouraging me to be bolder.

Thick veins pulsed along his shaft, and I traced each of them with my tongue. A shiver rocked through his body, and I flicked my tongue over the curved head, finding a salty substance beaded on the tip. I swallowed it down and then dropped my mouth over him again, taking as much in as I could. I was hot for him... hot for the sounds he was making in his throat, the sexy words of encouragement that he kept mumbling. His hips were moving now, finding a rhythm to match my movements as I took him deeper and deeper.

"You're gonna make me come... Lucy," he rasped, releasing his grip on my head.

I hollowed my cheeks and sucked harder, pumping him with my hand at the root. His cock was throbbing and suddenly he cursed, and his entire body shuddered. He tried to pull me away but I didn't budge, taking him deeper until I felt a salty spurt of thick liquid hit the back of my throat. I swallowed it down, choking slightly before gulping down another... and another.

He fell back on the bed after a few seconds, his chest heaving with every breath. I still held him in my hands, softly licking him clean.

"Come here," Laxus said a few moments later, his voice almost unrecognizable.

I turned my face up to look at him, swelling with pride that I'd made this man unravel. Crawling slowly over his body, I kissed a path back up his belly, up to his chest before hands suddenly seized me beneath the arms and hauled me up.

His mouth was on mine instantly.

The kiss was ferocious and hot, stoking the fire that was already burning inside me. He palmed my breasts then slid down and curved his hands over my ass, squeezing roughly. I moved against him, trying to create friction to ease the rapidly growing ache between my legs.

"Laxus," I pleaded when our mouths separated.

In a swift move, he swapped our positions and sunk between my parted legs. He lifted my bent knee and kissed the flesh just north, moving his tongue along the inside of my thigh.

I squirmed in the bedding, arching my back as I became more and more sensitive the further he ventured. When he approached the juncture of my thighs, he stopped and started the same torture on the other leg.

"Please," I begged, lifting my hips off the mattress.

He leaned down and placed a hand on my stomach to hold me in place. "Soon...," he breathed, the warm air tickling the damp folds that were so desperate for attention.

I writhed against his restraining hand, desire churning in the pit of my stomach the closer he got to my core. I didn't know what I was after, but I knew it was close. And I knew he could give it to me.

He placed a wet kiss at the top of my leg, then the other. A hand traveled up my torso and found my breast, cupping it and running the pad of his thumb lightly over the hardened tip.

I arched into his hand, desperate for his touch.

He teased the other nipple as well, streaks of pleasure ripping through me while his tongue traced a swirling pattern at the top of my thigh.

I lifted my hips in frustration, feeling as if I was going to die if he didn't do something. The throbbing between my legs almost hurt from the pressure building up and I wanted to scream at him to do it, now!

His hands moved back to my legs, smoothing slowly along the inside till they reached where his mouth was still teasing me. This time however, they didn't stop. A finger lightly brushed along the moist folds, and I gasped at the feeling. 'Yes, oh God yes!' I silently screamed.

This time, his finger was replaced with the pad of his thumb, exerting a bit more pressure. "You're so wet," he said, finding the sensitive bundle of nerves. "You are a constant surprise."

He started a pattern then, circling in a rhythm that sent my pulse racing. Flaming heat built up inside me, the tension building to an almost unbearable level.

His head dipped down and then I felt his lips on my clit, his tongue fluttering. My hips surged off the bed, my entire body arching violently. I'd never felt anything like this before and my body responded swiftly, my core tightening. His lips were soft and exerted just the slightest amount of suction just before I exploded from within. A cry left my lips as pleasure rippled throughout my body. Pulses of heat spread from my stomach, all the way to the tips of my fingers.

Lost in the feelings swamping my body, I didn't even notice Laxus moving until he was capturing my lips, his tongue spearing into my mouth. I matched his enthusiasm and wrapped my arms around his shoulders then pulled his body down on top of mine.

His skin was warm and smooth and fit perfectly against my curves. My hips were still rocking with the lingering pulses of my climax and I rubbed against him, riding out the waves of ecstasy and prolonging the feelings.

Laxus groaned into my mouth and then abruptly pulled away. In an instant, his mouth was back at my cleft, licking the excessively sensitive nerves.

It was too much, the feelings too intense. I bucked beneath him and reached for his head. My fingers grasped the roots of hair and tugged. "I can't," I rasped.

His finger joined in the torture, finding my opening and teasing it. Huskily he answered, "You can." The smooth digit slid slowly inside while his tongue licked leisurely at my clit.

"Oh God," I moaned. My body was so sensitive that the pleasure was nearly painful... but not quite. But then the tension began to build again, the hunger growing as his finger slipped deeper.

"That's it," he encouraged. "Don't hold back."

His tongue fluttered over my clit and then I felt another finger push inside. "Laxus," I breathed, throwing my head back on a strong flick of his tongue.

My belly coiled up and I could feel another climax approaching. When it burst upon me, I cried out again, my hands fisting in the blankets at my side.

I was undone... completely and utterly spent. Every bone in my body had turned to moosh, and I couldn't move as he kissed a winding path up my body and pressed a tender kiss to my lips.

"Come back to me, Lucy," Laxus said, a hint of a smile playing at his lips. He hauled me up into a seated position facing him and fingered several strands of damp hair that clung to my face.

I blinked up at him, still in a slight daze of lust. He looked incredible. His hair was spiked out at odd angles, the roots wet from sweat. He had an attractive flush staining his cheeks and there was a lightness to his eyes I'd never seen before.

In his lap, his member lay thick and erect, ready for more.

I licked my lips, oblivious to the insinuation.

"I want you," he said plainly. He grabbed my waist and pulled me towards him till I was sitting up straight on my knees, pressed tightly against his hard body.

His words reignited the fire in my belly. I pushed closer to him and could feel his hard length against my belly.

He chuckled, the sound almost pained. "You're going to kill me."

I turned my head to look up at him questioningly.

"Don't look at me like that," he said, grinning. "I'd be more than happy to fuck you senseless right now, but not tonight."

The rawness of his words sent delicious shivers throughout my body. 'Why not tonight?' I thought to myself but didn't bother to voice my question.

We were both kneeling in the center of my bed, and I let my hands smooth up and down his chest and stomach while he restlessly caressed my sides and back. For a while we knelt there, just holding each other, touching each other. I drank him in, his uniquely masculine scent, the taste of his skin.

"That was incredible," I said, eventually breaking the silence.

"You are incredible," he added, pressing his lips to my temple.

We knelt there for a while longer, absently touching one another in between slow kisses. It felt incredible being held by him... and holding him. I turned to place a line of kisses to his shoulders and glanced at the clock beside my bed.

"2am!"

Laxus turned to look and then smiled down at me. "Time flies when you're having fun."

I wasn't sure fun was the right word for what we'd been doing but I wholeheartedly agreed that it had been enjoyable... putting it mildly.

"I'm going to use the restroom. Don't move from the bed," Laxus ordered.

I nodded and watched him stand up and walk across the room. He was completely comfortable in his nakedness, and I boldly watched him 'till he disappeared behind the bathroom door.

I took a seat on the edge of my bed, noticing for the first time how wet I'd become. 'Guess I need to clean my bedding today,' I thought. I tried not to be embarrassed by that thought. It hadn't seemed to bother Laxus. But was it normal?

He emerged from the bathroom a minute later and walked until he was kneeling in front of me, a wet washcloth in hand.

Wordlessly he knelt in front of me and nudged my knees apart. I blushed crimson and fought against him, slapping at his hands ineffectually. "What are you doing?"

He pressed the wet cloth against my core and I flinched, trying to close my legs.

"Let me," he said, nudging his way between my thighs.

"But I can do..."

Gently he started washing me, touching me in a way that felt even more intimate than earlier. The air stalled in my lungs, and I turned my face away, too embarrassed to watch.

By the time he finished, I was hot for him again and worried that he'd need to revisit. I quickly closed my legs.

He rose to his feet and walked back to the bathroom. When he reemerged, he had his clothes in his hands. He deposited them on my couch and then grabbed his boxer briefs, stepping into them and then walking back over to me. I was grateful that that was the only item of clothing he'd put on. I enjoyed watching his body too much.

"Do you want me to leave?" he asked, lifting me to my feet and pressing a kiss to my lips.

I thought about it, my body wanting to say no but my brain battling back with a stream of 'what ifs' and 'buts'.

"I'll go," he said, pressing a kiss to my forehead and then stepping away.

I reached for his hand without thought and yanked him back to me. "No, please stay."

To be continued...

I just can't get this story out of my head... even years later.