The duo had stayed up late catching up, binging on sweets and giggling like maniacs before passing out on Lucy's bed. It had been a surprise to see her fellow celestial mage in her home but she had really missed the white-haired girl and it really had been too long since they last saw each other.
Standing up the blonde made her way to her bathroom to clean up, smiling as her friend opened the door, the two trading places. After freshening up and changing out of her pajamas she exited the bathroom making her way over to her table to grab her keys and fleuve before slipping on her boots. Looking toward Yukino, Lucy smiled as she finished up, the duo linking arms and heading out of the apartment.
The pair walked to the guild, giggling like school girls, when Sting slid his arm around Lucy's waist, pulling her away from Yukino, smiling at her. "Hey fairy." Lucy raised a brow at him before shaking her head.
"Morning Sting." She greeted in return.
"Where's Natsu?" Lucy rolled her eyes, wondering why he didn't bother to find the other slayer himself.
"Not sure." He frowned.
"Aren't you supposed to be his partner or something?"
Lucy rolled her eyes. "I'm his partner not his baby sitter." She retorted. "The only thing I can tell you is that he's likely off somewhere with Lisanna or doing something with Happy or both."
"Thanks for the help." He stated plainly, before releasing her and setting off to find Natsu.
Lucy shook her head, smiling as Yukino linked arms with her once more, tugging her, a little close. The stellar mage looked down at the Sabertooth mage curious.
"You, going to be okay?" Lucy shrugged noncommittally. "Lucy, you were just talking to me about this last night and I –"
"It's okay Yukino." She gave her a reassuring smile. "I'll be okay." Yukino hesitated before giving a nod of her head. The two entered the guild, making their way to the bar to order drinks, Yukino taking the opportunity to finish interrogating her.
Pulling the door to the Fairy Tail guild hall open, he entered the building his red eyes searching the area, a small smile on his face when they landed on two females at the bar. Making his way over to them, he instinctively glanced toward the iron dragon slayer, pausing in his nod as he noticed something different about the man. Brushing it aside he continued his way toward the bar, reaching the pair of celestial mages.
"Good morning, Yukino, Lucy." The pair turned toward him, Yukino's eyes meeting his momentarily before Lucy caught his attention.
"Rouge!" She exclaimed happily. "I didn't think I'd see you. Thought you'd be off keeping an eye on your guild master."
Rogue gave a slight roll of his eyes. "Yes, that is the main reason I brought him here, however I did want to see you today." Lucy titled her head, curiously.
"Really?" He nodded.
"I brought you a gift." Her eyes followed his hand as he reached for it, pulling out a book and handing it to her. "I happened to come across it while I was traveling in –"Lucy let out a loud squeal cutting him off, instantly launching herself off her barstool and at him, her arms wrapping around him tightly in a hug.
The shadow slayer let out a chuckle, having already known she would be quite excited when Yukino mentioned Lucy having been trying to find it for months. Rogue returned her hug, giving a slight pause when his ears picked up on the sound of a low growl, his brows furrowing slightly. Placing her on the ground he focused on the blonde in front of him, watching in amusement as she continued to stare at the book
"Where- Where did you -? How did you even -? I can't–"The blonde stammered and his smile widened.
"Finish a sentence Lucy." She laughed in response.
"I can't believe you found this. I have been searching for this everywhere and I'm just –"She grinned before pulling him in for another hug. "Thank you so much." His arms wrapped around her once more. "You're the best." Rogue chuckled.
"I'm glad you like the book." He commented distractedly as he glanced in the direction he had heard the sound come from, his brow rising curiously at the sight of the look in the iron slayer's eyes. Looking back at the duo he noticed them caught up in a conversation and took that opportunity to leave, making his way toward the iron dragon slayer.
Lucy suppressed her urge to squeal in excitement any further, taking her seat next to Yukino once more. She smiled at the white-haired girl. "I can't believe he –"She sighed trying to regain her composure. Yukino giggled.
"Rogue generally likes to keep an eye out on books when he's travelling. He bought me a copy of it as well."
Lucy's expression instantly changed, her lips turned in a teasing smirk. "I bet your 'thank you' was something Rogue liked a lot more than the hug I gave him." She chuckled at the sight of her friend blushing furiously.
"I-I have absolutely no idea what you mean." Lucy let out a burst of laughter, shaking her head at the girl.
"I'm sure you don't Yukino." The sabertooth mage turned away to hide her blush of embarrassment and Lucy giggled, reaching for her second strawberry smoothie and taking a long drink.
"So, tell me about the last job you went on." Lucy blinked glancing toward the girl beside her before shrugging.
"It wasn't anything interesting. Just another fighting job that was completed successfully." Yukino gave the blonde a look and she rolled her eyes, knowing what she wanted.
"Yes, Yukino, I went on this last one with him too." She sighed, feeling slightly frustrated. "But don't – It doesn't – there's nothing behind it. We're just going on jobs together." She protested
"Lucy." Yukino began. "I know there's a lot going on lately." She placed her hand over her friends. "But with your jobs, as of late, from what you've told me I –"She cut herself off for a moment, giving Lucy's hand a slight squeeze. "From what I understand, I can't help but wonder if maybe you're starting to try to move on."
Lucy blinked at the Sabertooth mage, confusion sinking in before she realized what she was talking about. "I don't think so. I mean, Natsu and Happy are my partners I couldn't just –"She cut herself off shaking her head. "No, I couldn't be. I wouldn't – I don't even think I could."
Yukino bit her lip, lifting her shoulders in a slight shrug. "Lucy, you have been frequently going on jobs with Gajeel." She reminded her. "And maybe it's not at the forefront of your mind but I'm sure the idea has passed through before, hasn't it? Being partners with him?" Lucy shifted on the bar stool feeling uncomfortable as the reality of the changes began to truly sink in. "Your team isn't going to be the same anymore Lucy." Yukino spoke gently. "You know it, and I'm sure the other members do as well."
Lucy swallowed thickly, nodding her head slightly. "I know it is." She whispered softly. "But I don't –"She looked to her friend, tears stinging her eyes. "I don't think I'm actually ready for Team Natsu to not really be Team Natsu anymore."
Yukino nodded, pulling her friend in for a hug. "Which is why I think that is why you're allowing yourself to be dragged all over the place and go on jobs that you'd normally protest in a heartbeat." Lucy shook her head, taking in a ragged breath.
"I can't replace them. I couldn't." Yukino pulled away looking at her friend.
"Lucy, we both know no one could replace any of your team mates, but perhaps he's filling in the holes left in your life and I'm afraid I might be too bold saying that the relationship is something you actually want because it's likely there's something more you desire."
The blonde stiffened, taking in a soft breath. "Yukino, I think you're misreading me." She whispered and Yukino gave her a soft smile.
"Am I?" Lucy gave a quick nod and Yukino shrugged her shoulders. "Well, if I did then I apologize." Lucy glanced to the white-haired girl, her expression nearly blank. Her brows furrowed in confusion before the Sabertooth mage turned toward her, a happy smile on her face. "Why don't we order some drinks to cheer you up." She suggested and Lucy smiled, giving a nod of her head.
Yukino called out to Kinana for drinks and Lucy couldn't help but wonder why Yukino had interpreted things the way she did. The blonde stellar mage could probably understand her sudden acceptance of going on frequent jobs with Gajeel as perhaps a need to fill the hole her teammates left but to imply there was something more she desired? Lucy shook her head at the thought. She and Gajeel were just friends.
Turning to Kinana when the drinks arrived Lucy thanked the barmaid before smiling at her fellow stellar mage, their glasses touching lightly in a cheer before they drank. Giggling after finishing the first glass, Lucy called out for more, knowing they were going to have a lot of fun this evening.
That night had ended with the pair of celestial mages drunk and staggering home and giggling like lunatics. The rest of Yukino's stay had seemed to go by in a blur of fun and a lot of laughter but now, as she stood getting ready for a bath, she couldn't help but think about the Sabertooth mage's words. Wanting more. Her brows furrowed as she turned off the water. Had she wanted more? Lucy bit her lip unsure of what she wanted at the moment.
Stripping off her clothes the stellar mage slid into the tub, a content sigh leaving her as she began to unwind. She stared up at her ceiling for a several moments, the idea coming to her once again. Being partners with Gajeel. She chewed on her lip for a moment before nodding her head slightly, her eyes slowly sliding close. So she could admit to herself that she wanted to be partners with the iron dragon slayer. He was good and jobs with him didn't seem to result in losing any of their reward money – as of yet, but anything further?
Her eyes snapped open, at the image that crossed her mind, suddenly sitting up feeling slightly startled. She gave a small shake of her head. There was no way she could – her face flushed realizing that maybe Yukino had read her right. Sighing at herself the blonde slowly leaned back, leaning against her tub. Her head lolling to the side, and she nearly jumped at the sight of Gajeel's face on her communications lacrima.
"Gajeel?!" She squeaked out, quickly sliding lower into her tub, her face burning with embarrassment. "What the hell? What do you want and why are you calling me?!" She shrieked.
His brows furrowed. "Calm down bunny, we're going on a job. Meet me at the train station at 7 tomorrow."
"Fine." She squeaked out, before reaching out and closing the device, her heart racing in disbelief. She could not believe she had left the thing open like that and near her tub. She pressed her head against the side of her tub, a heavy sigh leaving her as she began to calm down.
She peeked over the side of her tub looking at her communications lacrima, wondering if Gajeel saw anything, her face heating up at the mere thought of it. Suppressing the urge to groan at the thought of tomorrow morning, pausing in her thoughts as she considered maybe he hadn't seen anything at all. Chewing on her lip for a few moments, she pushed the thoughts aside figuring she'd find out tomorrow.
Standing up the blonde pulled the plug and waited for the water to reach her ankle before turning on her shower and beginning to clean up. Once scrubbed and rinsed the stellar mage turned off the water and wrapped herself in her towels. Stepping out of the tub Lucy left her bathroom and made her way over to her dresser, pausing upon seeing something in the corner of her eye. Turning toward her bed she blinked at the sight of Pantherlily lying curled up in the center of her mattress.
"Lily?" She questioned.
"Good evening Lucy." He greeted tiredly.
Glancing around the area she then turned back to the Exceed. "Is everything okay?" He gave a nod of his head, a small smile on his face.
"Everything is fine. I was merely taking you up on your offer." Lucy tilted her head in confusion. "Breakfast. You said I should stay the night." Lucy giggled softly, shaking her head, grabbing her undergarments and night clothes she made her way back to the bathroom to dress.
Exiting the bathroom once more the blonde sat down at her desk, brushing her hair and braiding it. Glancing toward Lily she smiled at the sight of the Exceed sleeping soundly, turning around she pulled out a piece of paper and began writing her customary letter to her parents, before sealing it in an envelope and putting it with the others.
Her hand remained on the box for a few lingering moments before clicking off the light, turning she made her way over to her bed, noticing Lily sitting up. She smiled softly and picked the Exceed up, placing him on her pillow before crawling into bed, covering herself up with her blanket, snuggling into her mattress.
"Good night Lily." She mumbled softly, receiving a small groan in response.
Pushing herself up off her bed she clicked off her alarm, a soft sigh leaving her as she pulled herself up and onto her knees, a small smile coming to her face at the sight of Pantherlily still sleeping. Giving him a small rub behind his ears she suppressed a giggle as he purred in response.
Climbing out of bed the celestial mage began to prep for the trip, dressing as she packed for a few days. Once finished she set her bag by the door and slid on her boots before heading toward the kitchen to whip up a little breakfast for her and Lily, sending a glance to the clock the blonde stilled, exiting the kitchen, her brows furrowed slightly. Brushing her hand against Horologium's key she felt her heart still as she realized her alarm clock was behind.
Letting out a soft curse she quickly picked up Lily and her bag before rushing out the door, running as quickly as she could to the train station, not looking forward to hearing Gajeel get on her about being tardy. Skidding to a stop in front of the building she hurriedly climbed the steps and entered the building, cringing at the sight of the crowd. Taking a breath she began to push through the people hoping to make it to the train before it departed, her brown eyes searching for the iron dragon slayer.
Lucy let out a squeak of surprise when she felt someone grab her. Whirling she looked up surprised to see Gajeel, barely able to call out his name before he took hold of her hand and pulled her through to the train, the blonde stumbling as she tried to keep pace with the slayer. He jerked her a little harder and the pair had been just barely able to make it on time, the doors closing just as they boarded.
Letting out a heavy breath of relief she looked up at Gajeel a sheepish smile on her face. "Sorry." She breathed out, looking down to see Lily was still sound asleep. "I thought I had woken up on time but my alarm clock must have gone out." Glancing back up at the slayer she could see the annoyance on his face however he remained silent.
"It's fine. You're just lucky we made it on time."
Lucy nodded, a smile coming to her face. "Thank you, by the way, for helping me get through, the crowd." He shrugged his shoulders.
"It's fine. Let's go find a seat." Lucy nodded, feeling her face flush as he released her hand and made his way down the car to find a seat.
Once their bags were put away, Lucy took her seat, a heavy sigh leaving her. Looking down at the sleeping Exceed in her arms she smiled, giving him a light rub behind his ears, wondering how he was able to sleep through all of that noise – or how she hadn't dropped him.
"Did Lily stay the night with you?" Lucy glanced up, slightly startled at the expression on his face. Quickly turning her attention back to Pantherlily as he shifted in her arms, however, giving him a response.
"Yeah, he said he wanted me to make him breakfast." Gajeel grunted in response, remaining silent as the train finally started to move.
Sending another glance toward the slayer Lucy wondered of his expression, unable to properly define it. Had he been bothered by the fact that Lily stayed the night with her rather than staying with him? But if he was why, did it look like he had been smiling? She was sure she hadn't mistaken the small upturn of his lips…Giving her head a shake she put her focus elsewhere suddenly remembering their conversation.
Glancing toward the slayer quickly she could see nothing from him that indicated he had seen anything, but then the moment to find out was definitely bad timing since the slayer was busy trying to keep himself composed. Sighing softly Lucy looked out the window, watching the passing scenery as she waited for the train to arrive to the location, hoping to herself that he hadn't seen anything last night.
-x-
When the train arrived the duo made their way into the station, waiting for Gajeel to gather his composure when Lucy suddenly recalled that she had some medicine from Wendy in her first aid kit that would have likely helped Gajeel. Biting her lip she wondered if it'd be a bad idea to suddenly bring it up to him now. Glancing toward the slayer she noticed him finally up and moving, she quickly following him and deciding to keep the knowledge to herself for the time being.
Gajeel sighed heavily as he walked through the station, trying to keep his thoughts from last night. He had not expected to see Lucy in the state of dress – or lack thereof, really, when he called her. Now suddenly grateful he hadn't just gone right over to her apartment when he had found the job. Seeing the blonde naked would have been – Gajeel quickly stopped his train of thought and tried to keep focus of their job.
Sending a glance to the blonde his eyes caught sight of his cat still in her arms. Lily had gone to her place last night and while he hadn't liked the idea of the exceed not with him, he found himself okay with him with her. He turned his eyes forward briefly wondering if Lily had been catching on but then he doubted the exceed knew. Clearing his head once more he focused on their job, wanting to make sure Lucy got the full reward for this job.
-x-
The job itself was quite easy – at least for him. Tracking was one of the easier jobs and ones he only took when he was bored and just needed to get out. Glancing behind him he noticed the blonde smiling brightly at the sight of the bandit currently tied up by her spirit.
"Come on Bunny!" He called out and turned, blinking at the sight of his exceed floating in the air in front of him, a knowing look on the cat's face. "What?" He growled and Lily merely shrugged.
"Nothing at all, Gajeel" The slayer frowned as he began walking, Lily flying beside him. "I was simply curious as to why you decided on this job." There was a brief moment of silence that would give him the opportunity to speak but he kept his mouth closed, Lily chuckling in response. "I see. I had wondered but I'd like to confirm, are we doing this to –"The exceed paused. "Make things more appealing to her for when you ask her to become our partner?"
Gajeel halted in his walking looking up at the exceed, his brows furrowed in confusion before he continued walking. Lily wanted her to be their partner? He had never thought about that before. The bunny girl already had a partner, two insane team mates and an annoying blue cat to add to it. Why would they be partners? He shot a glance back to the blonde as she walked happily as his brain finally realized that she had very willing to join him on jobs over the past few months and while they were at the guild he had noticed she spent more time alone at the bar than with her teammates.
It hadn't taken him much longer to realize the changes that had been occurring, specifically with her team. They had been slowly going their own ways and in the end it would leave the bunny girl without teammates and alone. At the word he couldn't help think about his loneliness. It was something he had experience for a long time and after Phantom Lord he had been unbothered that it was what happened because he knew that, that was how his life worked.
Then Makarov had found him.
How the old geezer did he'd never know, but the old man offered him a life at Fairy Tail. He had agreed and now he couldn't see his life going any other way. Fairy Tail was full of a bunch of crazy mages but he found himself quite found of the insane idiots. Pushing his memories out of his mind he focused on the bunny girl, contemplating a partnership with her.
So far they had seemed to work out, she was skilled and their jobs had never failed, despite her tendency to attract trouble causing additional work for him when he had to rescue her ass. It was good and Lily obviously enjoyed her company on the jobs, and her cooking. He glanced back once more before sending a look to the exceed, deciding to actually talk to him about the blonde officially joining them as a partner.
Pfft, lol, this is not going how I had originally planned this story to go...but all well. C' est la vie. Hope you enjoyed chapter 8 of Astraphobia.