Lucy slept the rest of the night and through most of the morning. She woke up feeling refreshed.

"Good morning," she mumbled when she awoke and saw her friend sitting next to her. Loke was reading a magazine and sipping a hot beverage.

"Morning gorgeous."

Lucy smiled and got up to take a quick shower. She was anxious to get home but a shower was cruical given the all the physical activity of the previous night. Most of her magic power had regenerated so she summoned Virgo for a fresh change of clothes. The outfit the celestial maid had picked out was super cute which improved Lucy's mood further.

By the time Loke and Lucy made their way to the train station, Lucy felt like things were starting to return to normal and even smiled when Loke tried a corny pick up line.

"Wait here, I'll go get my ticket for the train ride home," Lucy suggested to her friend. They had decided to save money and only purchase one ticket. Loke would return to the celestial world once she got on the train. Besides, if she really needed someone to talk to, she could always summon him back. She walked into the station.

Sitting on a bench, was Laxus. It looked like he hadn't slept. Lucy paused when she saw him and thought about turning around to leave but the lightning mage had already spotted her.

She stood as he approached, waiting while her stomach did enough flips to qualify for the Olympic gymnastics team.

"Hey," Laxus mumbled.

"Hey," she mumbled back.

He ran his fingers through his hair. "Look, I'm really sorry about last night. Things kind of got out of hand with Bacchus. I'm shouldn't have left you to fight that pack of shape shifters by yourself."

Lucy looked down at her feet. She had only been apart from Laxus for half a day and she already missed him. She chewed her lip and thought.

"Lucy, is everything okay here?" Loke came up from behind and put his arm around her shoulder.

Laxus's expression darkened. "Get your hands off her."

"Or what?"

Laxus grabbed the front of Loke's shirt and pulled him close. "Or I'll make you." He released Loke with a small push that was begging for a fight.

"Damnit Laxus, this is the problem."

"What?"

"You keep throwing your muscle around. You don't think things through."

"What's there to think about? What's he still doing here anyways? Did he spend the night with you?"

"Not in a romantic way if that's what you're implying."

Laxus's cheeks flushed with anger. "So he did spend the night with you."

"Nothing happened!"

Laxus kicked out, knocking a bench over. "First Bacchus, and now Loke. You've been busy this weekend."

Lucy reached up to slap him but years of training had given Laxus excellent reflexes. He caught her hand before she could wipe the sneer off his face.

Lucy pulled her hand back and marched up to the ticket counter. "One ticket for Magnolia, please." The cashier hastily rang her up. Lucy's fingers trembled as she handed the teller her jewels.

By the time Lucy had completed her purchase, Laxus was gone. She felt both relieved, and sad.

Loke came up to her and gave her shoulder a squeeze. Without warning, she felt tears start to well up.

"Aw, Lucy, I hate to leave you like this. Please summon me once you get on the train."

Lucy sniffed. "No, its fine. I think I want to be alone for a little while."

"I shouldn't have interrupted you two. I was just worried when I saw him talking to you."

"It's not your fault. He shouldn't have acted like that."

The celestial spirit consoled her a bit longer, and then hugged here when it was time to board the train.

"Thanks Loke, you're a good friend."

"No problem Lucy. And for the record, I consider you more than just a good friend." He winked at her and disappeared.

Lucy was glad Laxus wasn't around to hear the last thing Loke said. It probably would have started another fight.

She got on the train and found an empty car. Good, I won't have to deal with anyone until I get home. She sat down and closed her eyes, trying not to think too much about the unpleasant exchange with Laxus.

"Damn, are you trying to get me killed?"

She opened her eyes. "Bacchus?"

The palm magic user looked bad. Really bad. His face was dotted with bruises and his lower lip was swollen.

"What did you say?" she asked.

"Are you trying to get me killed? If Laxus sees me near you he's likely to go ape shit again."

Lucy crossed her arms over her chest. "I don't think that will be a problem." She stared at him, daring him to challenge her further.

Bacchus took in her posture. "So, I heard correctly afterall. You two are finished." He grinned, revealing a missing front tooth.

"Don't get all cocky. It had nothing to do with you."

He glanced around and took the seat across from her. "Really now?"

"Yes, really."

"Well, if you change your mind…" Bacchus pulled something out of his pocket and handed it to her.

Lucy looked down.

Bacchus

Certified S-Class Mage

Available for Hire

Call 555-5555 for Rates

"Ew, you can't be serious. A business card?" Lucy went to hand the card back but Bacchus was leaving the train car. Lucy called after him. "Don't be expecting a phone call."

Bacchus waved without looking back. "Just think about it. I know some great Karaoke bars in Magnolia."

Luffy fan: Thanks for the reviews. I will be coming up on 200 soon. I'm itching to start another story but I really want to finish this one up first. There are at least a couple more chapters still to come.

I've managed to write at least a little every day for the last three days. I'll see if I can keep it up.

I have started a writing contest in the forums. Everyone is welcome to join so please stop by and sign up!

myforums/luffy-fan/2620893/